German Pigs Infected with MRSA

GERMANY - German health officials have made an announcement that the country's farm pigs are infested with "hospital bacteria", otherwise known as Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria.
calendar icon 6 May 2008
clock icon 2 minute read

Out of the 40 pig farms examined in North Rhine Westphalia state, the bacteria was found in 28 of them. MRSA was found in 70 per cent of the pigs, all of which were initially healthy. It is speculated that the pig farmers are the actual carriers, as it is believed to be transmitted from man to pig and so on. Dutch experiments have shown that cattle can also be affected by this bacteria.

MRSA is known to be highly contagious and has the ability to trigger blood poisoning and pneumonia. Wound infections are also unstoppable.

Orders for tests have been made ever since the discovery of the germ in Netherlands back in 2003. These tests are now being conducted in Belgium, North America and the UK. German health officials are advising consumers to thoroughly cook the meat to avoid any infection.

Background and plans to increase awareness

"Hospital bacteria" is a problem prevalent around the globe. It made it's first appearance in the early '70s.

This week, Germany intends to broadcast PlusMinus, a documentary on MRSA. The documentary talks about how 35,000 patients catch the bacteria every year in German hospitals and approximately 1,500 people die because of it.

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.