**6.1.1 Specific measures for livestock animals**


are available (Cuny et al., 2010). In this respect, further research is needed to address these gaps, as well as to better understand the evolution of these strains in humans and animals.

All studies on animal MRSA have helped establish critical measures for its control. Numerous reports on MRSA control in humans have been published and many of the principles may also be applied to control in animals. However, caution is necessary for extrapolating these human guidelines to animals, as disease epidemiology can differ

It has been observed that exposure to antimicrobials is a risk factor for the acquisition and dissemination of MRSA in humans and also most probably in animals. In this respect, strategies for prevention and management of MRSA in animals should be, as much as possible, related to the use of antimicrobials. If the antimicrobial treatment is necessary in individual cases for the sake of animal welfare, the risk of the emergence of wider resistance in MRSA strains colonizing animals needs to be managed, especially considering zoonotic aspects. Options to manage this risk include the non-use of antimicrobials except as a last resort strategy, decolonization in humans, isolation of animals during treatment, and monitoring the effects of treatment in strain resistance through selective culture and

Good hygiene is an important general preventive and control measure, both in homes and human and animal healthcare environments, because environmental contamination with MRSA acts as a reservoir for infection. Known MRSA-positive animals should be nursed apart from other animals, with strict washing of the hands, gloves and gowns if in close contact. Recording the history of contact with human or animal MRSA, as well as an early culture of a wound non-responsive to first-line therapy allows for earlier recognition of MRSA and its appropriate management. Furthermore, when faced with repeated and inexplicable failure of human decolonization, clinicians can investigate nearby exposure to

Reduction of antimicrobial selective pressure in livestock by avoiding routine mass

Prevention of transmission of MRSA between and within the farms with sanitary

Use of contact precautions such as protective outerwear, overalls, aprons or coats and

Protective outerwear and all the items handled during the treatment of MRSA-positive

Hands can be hygienically cleaned with alcohol gel pouches, which are essential but

Identification and isolation of animals to minimize the risk for zoonotic infection

**6. MRSA prevention and control in animals** 

significantly (Leonard & Markey, 2008).

susceptibility tests (CATRY et al., 2010).

**6.1 General preventive and control measures** 

**6.1.1 Specific measures for livestock animals** 

boots or overshoes that are not worn elsewhere

animals should be considered potentially contaminated

medication

need to be used correctly

animals and birds that could be the reservoirs (Morgan, 2008).

Below, are some precolonized specific measures cited from (Catry et al., 2010).

measures of control between herds and during transportation


#### **6.1.1.1 Reducing carriers on MRSA-positive livestock farms**

Control and/or treatment of colonized and infected animals with or without antimicrobials is necessary for the reduction of carriers.

Th1e affected animals need to be immediately separated from healthy animals. In extreme cases culling of infected animals is a further option. Milk of animals with mastitis by MRSA must be destroyed, and in some cases the infected quarter must be prematurely dried-off.

If the antimicrobial treatment is chosen, it is necessary to evaluate its risk-benefit compared with other alternatives. The choice of antimicrobials should always be based on a susceptibility test, and all precautions should be taken that the drug reaches the infected site with appropriate concentrations.
