December 6, 2012

Netherlands broiler farms hit by bacteria strain

The methicyllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria is detected in some broiler farms in the Netherlands.

A report quotes a conclusion from a risk assessment agency within the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

The most important finds are related to the 'livestock related' variety of MRSA, also known as LA-MRSA, which can also be found in pigs and beef calves. On 9% of the broiler producers, the bacteria was found as well. For slaughterhouse staff, this can even be as high as 14%.

The agency states that additional measures are needed to better protect employees who get in touch with live broilers.

In healthy people, MRSA is not a threat. For people in hospitals, however, MRSA is more dangerous as they are more susceptible to disease. In addition, MRSA cannot be treated using regular antibiotics. The usage of antibiotics is being named as one of the reasons for antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA.

In recent reports, the Dutch broiler sector has reached a reduction of 60% of antibiotics usage in comparison to 2009.