Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps being taken to establish the extent of possible MRSA type infections in animals; if she has satisfied herself that adequate steps are in place to prevent the spread of such infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17382/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

MRSA, or methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, is an antibiotic resistant bacterium, the presence of which in humans was noted over 35 years ago and which has been a feature of antibiotic resistance in human therapy since. During the last two years, the presence of the bacterium has been noted in dogs and horses. It is thought that the route of infection has been from pet owners and veterinary practitioners.

As I indicated in response to a Parliamentary Question on 5 May last, I am aware that Veterinary Ireland has earlier this year circulated its members advising them of the problem, of how to deal with cases and of procedures to be adopted to minimise risk of transmission in their practices. Veterinary Ireland has also asked practitioners to inform animal owners of the risks which can arise from contact with companion animals infected with the bacterium. I fully support this initiative.

In terms of co-ordinating a response at national level to this problem, given that this is primarily a human health issue, actions are being co-ordinated by the national disease surveillance centre. My Department's laboratories carry out antimicrobial surveillance testing on food animals as part of ongoing monitoring of antibiotic resistance trends in zoonotic bacteria in food producing animals. To date, there is no evidence that MRSA is an issue of concern in food animals in Ireland or, indeed, elsewhere.