FVE conference on MRSA
“Raising awareness is key to control”
Brussels, April – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing problem in both animals and humans and urgent action is required – and such action should be based on a shared responsibility between veterinary practitioners and medical doctors. That was the main conclusion of the recent European conference on MRSA, organised on 8 April by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and financially supported by TAIEX (EU Commission, DG Enlargement).
Although epidemiological data indicated a link between antibiotic pressure and the emergence of resistant bacteria, other factors, such as hygiene measures and husbandry systems also play a role.
“This is a topic of global importance, stressed professor Johanna Fink-Gremmels (University of Utrecht), who chaired the meeting, congratulating the FVE on this timely initiative. “MRSA has an impact on both animal health and public health, added Dr Walter Winding, FVE President, “and it is time to act. Raising awareness among veterinarians, doctors and the public at large is key to tackle the problem”. He also recalled that such an approach was “a good illustration of the ‘one health’ concept” as promoted by the FVE.
Speakers presented the topic from various angles (definition, societal concerns, MRSA in animals and working in partnership) and included representatives from DG Sanco, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Scientific Advisory Group on Antimicrobials (SAGAM-EMEA), the Standing Committee of European Doctors, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Parliament. Speakers also included scientists from various institutions in Europe and representatives from the animal health industry and farmer’s organisations.
The conference was attended by 190 participants from 34 countries including the United States, and included representatives from the veterinary, medical and farming sectors as well as scientists and policy makers.
Notes for Editors:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-resistant variation of the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. To date, three types of MRSA have been identified: Hospital acquired (HA-MRSA), Community acquired (CA-MRSA) and NT-MRSA, which include those found in farm animals. Risk factors and characteristics are different for each type
- The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) is an umbrella organisation of 43 veterinary organisations from 36 European countries, representing a total of around 200 000 veterinarians.
- For further information, consult the fve website http://www.fve.org or contact the FVE Secretariat on tel +32 2 533 70 20 or by e-mail to info@fve.org
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