Abstract:
In this study the prevalence of methicillin resistant Stahylococcus aureus (MRSA) among
commercial piggeries in South Africa was determined. Twenty five commercial herds across South
Africa participated. From each herd 18 finisher pigs' nasal contents were sampled at the abattoir
between stunning and sticking. These samples were pooled into three pools with six samples per
pool and selectively cultured to determine the presence of MRSA. A herd was classified as MRSA
positive if one or more of the three pooled samples cultured positive for MRSA. In this study three
out of the 25 herds tested positive for MRSA, equating to a 12% herd prevalence (95% CI: 2.5 ? 31%)
among South African commercial piggeries. In other countries nasal carrier status of MRSA has been
described in pigs. Concerns exist over the zoonotic risk positive carriers pose to workers. In the
current study the prevalence of nasal MRSA carriers amongst large commercial pig herds in South
Africa was extremely low compared to what has been reported in other parts in the world. This
study suggests a low zoonotic MRSA risk to workers in South African commercial piggeries and
abattoirs.
