June 6, 2008

MRSA found to be widespread in Canadian pig farms
   

The Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria have been found to be prevalent among Canadian pigs and pig farmers, according to a report by the Natural News.

A study published in Veterinary Microbiology suggests that the livestock industry is a possible source of the disease.

Researchers tested 258 pigs as well as workers on 20 farms in Ontario. Results said that 45 percent of the farms, 25 percent of the pigs and 20 percent of the farmers tested were infected with MRSA, higher than the rate of infection in the general North American population.

One of the MRSA strains found was one that usually infect humans in Canada and one that is associated with serious skin, breast and heart infections in the EU.

The study has added weight to claims that antibiotic use in livestock farming may develop antibiotic resistance in human diseases.

Commercial raising of livestock for food has the potential for microbiological disaster, said consumer health advocate Mike Adams.