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MRSA bugs linked to livestock are found in hospitals
Pig
Some MRSA bugs in UK hospitals can be traced back to a type of bacteria found in farm animals.
New study provides evidence that the livestock-associated strain could spread

Research by the University of Edinburgh has suggested that some MRSA bugs in UK hospitals can be traced back to a type of bacteria found in farm animals.

The MRSA strain Staphylococcus aureus CC398 - a type of drug resistant bacteria carried by some livestock - has also been found in patients, the research has revealed.

Distinct variants of the CC398 strain can be found in both people and animals and evolve from the same, original bacteria. However, the strain found in livestock can be transmitted to humans, and the study shows that this has happened on many occasions.

The research also provides new evidence that the livestock-associated CC398 strain could spread in hospitals.

CC398 from farm animals can be harder to treat because it is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs. The researchers say that the strain's enhanced drug resistance in livestock is likely to be the result of widespread use of antibiotics on farms.

Patients in nursing homes and hospitals are at increased risk of MRSA infection, but healthy people in the wider community can also be infected with some strains.

For the first time, the researchers unravelled the full genetic code of CC398 strains from the UK, and compared these with published genetic data on CC398 bugs from humans and livestock around the world.

The scientists say that the strain has entered the UK several times since the mid-1940s, though the original source of the bacteria remains unclear.

Lead researcher Dr Melissa Ward said: "Our findings emphasise the need for strict biosecurity practices in the food production industry, as well as continued surveillance and infection control of MRSA in hospitals. Responsible use of antibiotics in healthcare settings and agriculture is of utmost importance."

The study was published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

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Building Great Workplaces webinars return

News Story 1
 BVA has announced a new series of its Building Great Workplaces lunchtime webinars.

Launching from 16 July, the sessions will explore patient safety, motivation, client communication and more.

Its first webinar, exploring neurodiversity in the workplace, will take place at 1pm on Thursday, 16 July. It will feature guest speakers from The Vet Project, a group which supports neurodiversity in veterinary environments.

The following three webinars take place in September, October and November.

Booking is open on the BVA website 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.