Current scientific evidence supports the opinion that the risk of pet-transmitted MRSA is small and those pet owners who undertake hygienic precautions are at minimal risk. MRSA, furthermore, does not normally harm healthy people including pregnant women, babies and children. High-risk individuals (long-term sick, elderly or patients with a poor immune system for example) may need to take extra care and seek advice from their veterinary surgeon and doctor. The BSAVA recommends that all reported zoonotic infections with MRSA are investigated and that medical and veterinary staff co-ordinate in eliminating infection. MRSA is of little risk to healthy animals but vulnerable pets include immunocompromised animals, long-term in-patients, and animals with open wounds, implants or undergoing major surgery. Infectious disease control policies should be implemented to prevent MRSA and other nosocomial infections. The BSAVA strongly advocates the responsible use of anti-bacterial agents to minimise the development of resistant species and strains of all bacterial pathogens particularly those with zoonotic potential.

Accepted: BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 32 (Guidance on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) 2004.
Recent update: September 2005