Peter Davies, PhD, UMASH Research Scientist and a professor in the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, in partnership with scientists from the USDA National Animal Disease Center and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, conducted two studies on MRSA in relation to US pigs and the people who work with them. Dr. Davies report was recently published in the University of Minnesota’s Health Talk.

According to the studies, MRSA appears to be much less common in US pig herds than anticipated. “As far as we can tell, there is little or no impact on public health,” Davies said. “No serious infections have been seen in swine workers or veterinarians.” While the research is positive for US swine herd owners and veterinarians, Davies hopes more research will be done to better understand the potential risks of MRSA-infected swine herds on people in the US. “US pigs certainly have MRSA, it’s just not widespread at this point,” Davies said. “That doesn’t mean it wont change.”