MRSA in pork production shower facilities: an intervention to reduce occupational exposure.

Leedom Larson, K R; Wagstrom, E A; Donham, K J; Harper, A L; Hanson, B M; Male, M J; Smith, T C. J Ag Safety Health 2012 Jan; 18(1):5-9.

Abstract:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization has been documented in swine and swine workers. MRSA has also been found in the shower facilities of conventional swine farms. We previously conducted a review of the literature to identify measures used to reduce MRSA prevalence in athletic facilities. In this study, we evaluated those measures for adaptability to the pork production environment. A best practices protocol was developed to reduce MRSA levels in pork production shower facilities and implemented in two conventional swine production systems. PMID: 22458012

Self-reported methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in USA pork producers.

Leedom Larson KR, Smith TC, Donham KJ. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2010 Dec;17(2):331-4.

Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

Abstract

Pork producers selected from the National Pork Board`s producer database were surveyed. Five (3.7%) reported being diagnosed with a MRSA infection. Risk factors related to swine farm biosecurity were examined. None were statistically significant predictors of MRSA infection. Free full-text PDF

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pork Production Shower Facilities.

Leedom Larson KR, Harper AL, Hanson BM, Male MJ, Wardyn SE, Dressler AE, Wagstrom EA, Tendolkar S, Diekema DJ, Donham KJ, Smith TC.Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Jan;77(2):696-8. Epub 2010 Nov 19.

University of Iowa College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, C21-F GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA

Abstract

As methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been found in pigs, we sought to determine if MRSA is present in pork production shower facilities. In two production systems tested, 3% and 26% of shower samples were positive for MRSA. spa types identified included t034, t189, t753, and t1746. PMID: 21097587

An overview of livestock-associated MRSA in agriculture.

Harper AL, Ferguson DD, Leedom Larson KR, Hanson BM, Male MJ, Donham KJ, Smith TC. J Agromedicine. 2010 Apr;15(2):101-4.

Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.