The small number of cases of transfer of MRSA, (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) from humans to pets in the UK, is anticipated to rise in the near future. This has prompted the British Veterinary Hospitals Association, (BVHA) to warn its members to look closely at their hygiene procedures when handling animal patients. Bob Partridge, President, BVHA said yesterday:

"The problem will be that there will be an increasing number of cases as the bug becomes more common."

New guidelines are to be issued to help contain the spread of the bacteria but in response, vets have warned pet owners that these will increase the cost of treating their animals.

Campaigner, Jill Moss, whose dog Bella died of the superbug following surgery last year, has set up a website which provides information to pet owners concerned about MRSA, see: www.pets-mrsa.com/.

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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provetsh
There is an answer to contolling MRSA in pets prior to and after surgery. A lotion under the name of 'Pro-Shield Vet' Marketted by Foalyard Products Ltd. can be used on operating sites prior to scrubbing and on areas of potential infection after.
The product is a modification of a lotion proven to prevent and treat MRSA and skin conditions in humans. It provides immediate kill of bacteria including MRSA and provides this cover for 4 hours or more. It is absorbed into the skin surface and provides a protective bactericidal and fungicidal barrier.

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provetsh
New guidelines to be issued by the BVA
Somehow I wil believe it when I see it - or is this just the BVA ways of keeping JIll Moss quite?

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harley47
The sad loss of Bella to MRSA and the resulting campaign by Jill Moss has highlighted the fact that very few people know where MRSA comes from or how to protect their family and pets. The lotion mentioned above in a previous comment helps decontaminate wounds and in that role it is very valuable.
However to prevent infection from occurring in the first place it is necessary to reduce the number of MRSA bacteria in the environment around the family and pets. Ten years ago the British government supported a research project which has now resulted in the products described on www.newgenn.com Among those products are very mild, but very effective, products for use in households, on pets and on people. This is not the place to list the products but it is appropriate to mention that after examining the scientific evidence (also on that website) the Kennel Club asked NewGenn to provide the hygiene products for Crufts 2005. Others who use NewGenn include Harefield and Papworth hospitals where preventing MRSA is taken very seriously indeed.
If anyone wants more information please check the website or email me on harley.farmer@newgenn.com Please remember that this is an offer of help sent out to all those who lack the fundamental knowledge on how to stop MRSA but want to know what can now be done to stop infections.

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