X
XLinkedinWhatsAppTelegramTelegram
0
Read this article in:

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of livestock associated MRSA-positive pig herds in The Netherlands

To determine the prevalence of, this now-called livestock-associated (LA) MRSA among pig herds in the Netherlands and to identify and quantify risk factors, an observational study of 202 pig herds was performed between 2007 and 2008.

14 September 2011
X
XLinkedinWhatsAppTelegramTelegram
0

In 2005, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found in pig herds and in humans in contact with pigs. To determine the prevalence of, this now-called livestock-associated (LA) MRSA among pig herds in the Netherlands and to identify and quantify risk factors, an observational study of 202 pig herds was performed between 2007 and 2008. Five environmental wipes and 60 nasal swabs from each herd were collected, and microbiological analysis was performed on single environmental samples and pooled nasal samples. A herd was considered MRSA-positive if ≥1 sample tested positive.


The prevalence of MRSA-positive herds was 67% in breeding herds and 71% in finishing herds. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed on data from 171 breeding herds. The number of MRSA-positive herds increased from not, vert, similar30% at the start to not, vert, similar75% at the end of the study, most likely due to transmission between herds. The prevalence of MRSA increased with herd size, as not, vert, similar40% of smaller herds (<250 sows) were MRSA-positive compared to >80% of larger herds (>500 sows). Other risk factors (e.g. antimicrobial use, purchase of gilts and hygiene measures) were not significantly associated with MRSA, though associated with herd size. Herd size appeared to be a compilation of several factors, which made larger herds more often MRSA positive.

E.M. Broens, E.A.M. Graat, P.J. Van Der Wolf, A.W. Van De Giessen and M.C.M. De Jong. Prevalence and risk factor analysis of livestock associated MRSA-positive pig herds in The Netherlands. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.06.005

Article Comments

This area is not intended to be a place to consult authors about their articles, but rather a place for open discussion among pig333.com users.
Leave a new Comment

Access restricted to 333 users. In order to post a comment you must be logged in.

You are not subscribed to this list pig333.com in 3 minutes

Weekly newsletter with all the pig333.com updates

Log in and sign up on the list

Related articles

MRSA thrives even without antibiotics

17-Oct-2011
The MRSA bacterium, which is resistant to antibiotics, has spread rapidly in the past few years on pig farms. Extensive use of antibiotics is thought to help it spread, but reducing the use of antibiotics is not enough to eliminate MRSA on pig farms.

EU - EFSA evaluates risk of MRSA in food and animals

30-Mar-2009
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published an opinion on the public health significance of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animals and foods. EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) found that while food may be contaminated by MRSA, there is currently no evidence that eating or handling contaminated food may lead to an increased risk of humans becoming healthy carriers or infected with this bacterium. The Panel also concluded that where MRSA prevalence in food-producing animals is high, people in contact with live animals, especially farmers, veterinarians and their families, are at greater risk than the general population.
You are not subscribed to this list Swine News

Swine industry news in your email

Log in and sign up on the list