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Can MRSA infections pass from me to my pet and vice versa?

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Can MRSA infections pass from me to my pet and vice versa?

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MRSA is a staph bacteria that’s resistant to common antibiotics. It may start as a skin infection or abscess, and then become more serious as it gets into the blood stream and organs.

MRSA impacts humans and pets, and can be passed back and forth. So if it shows up in your pets, don’t assume they’re the only ones affected.

Armando Hoet, Coordinator of the Veterinary Public Health Program at Ohio State University, says, “most likely they are a sentinel, telling us that somebody else has it.” He advises doctors and veterinarians to work together to screen, treat, and manage the illness in the household.

And as always, good hygiene is your best prevention. Wash hands and keep wounds covered to prevent infection.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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