Industrial Farm Animal Production and Livestock Associated MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Authors

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacterial infection and is increasingly found to be resistant to antibiotic therapy. A newly described type of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus carried by farm animals, Livestock Associated MRSA (LA-MRSA), is now causing infections in humans with and without direct livestock contact. A reduction in the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in feed would likely reduce the capacity of industrial animal agriculture to continue to create, disseminate, and perpetuate a large reservoir of LA-MRSA on a global scale, but more fundamental changes in the way animals are raised for food may be necessary forestall a "post-antibiotic age."

Recommended Citation

(2013) "Industrial Farm Animal Production and Livestock Associated MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)," Agribusiness Reports: Vol. 2013, Article 2.
Available at: https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/agreports/vol2013/iss2013/2