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

J Agric Saf Health. 2012 Jan;18(1):5-9. doi: 10.13031/2013.41229.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Meat / microbiology*
  • Meat-Packing Industry
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Health
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Swine
  • Toilet Facilities