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NIOSH Funds Study of Occupational Safety and MRSA in Swine Veterinarians

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has funded a study of occupational safety in US swine veterinarians, including a long term study of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA led by Dr. Peter Davies at the University Of Minnesota. This project is one of four projects of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health (UMASH) center, a collaboration involving the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and College of Veterinary Medicine; the National Farm Medicine Center of the Marshfield Clinic; and the Minnesota Department of Health. The UMASH director is Dr Bruce Alexander of the School of Public Health, who is leading other projects on occupational safety in livestock industries (http://www.umash.umn.edu).

So called "livestock associated" MRSA (ST398 MRSA) are a hot topic at present, particularly in discussions surrounding antimicrobial resistance. Previous studies confirmed that ST398 MRSA can be found in US hogs, farmers, swine veterinarians and pork, though data suggest lower prevalence than in some European countries. Although it has been shown repeatedly that people with livestock contact commonly have positive nasal cultures for ST398, two major questions remain to be resolved: 1) Does this represent true colonization or just transient contamination of the nasal cavity; 2) Is this associated with increased risk of clinical disease. The study also includes a broader survey about occupational health and safety in swine veterinarians, similar to a study last done in 1995 but with more focus on S. aureus.

By observing patterns of S. aureus colonization, and any associated illness, over a period of 18 months, the study will provide new insight into the significance of ST398 MRSA as an occupational health risk. Unlike producers, veterinarians are typically in contact with many different farms each month, which makes them (you!) a unique population for studying colonization patterns. Peter is seeking to enroll 70 AASV members in the study to submit self collected nasal swabs monthly over 18 months. He will have a booth at AASV in Denver to discuss the study in more detail and enroll participants. Apart from better defining any possible concerns to health of swine veterinarians, the project will provide some valuable information to inform the broader public debate about the risks posed by these organisms.

If you have interest in being involved ($500 compensation is available) or need more information, feel free to contact Peter any time by email (davie001@umn.edu) or phone (612-625-8290) or come by his booth in Denver.