Livestock-MRSA in Danish Pig Farms

Abstract: This study looks at factors contributing to LA-MRSA prevalence in Danish pig farms. LA-MRSA is a pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to methicillin (penicillin) and tetracycline antibiotics found in livestock such as pigs, poultry and cattle. By using logistic regression analysis, this study investigates which factors that might have increased the likelihood of having a positive LA-MRSA result in 2010-2011 (n=176 farms). The model consisted of both spatial and in-herd parameters including: average nearest distance to other farms, pig movement, use of antibiotics and zinc oxide, herd size and production systems. These were set against results from the first Danish cross sectional screening of LA-MRSA in pig herds, during 2010-2011. The results from the logistic regression only showed a modest connection between pig movement (the number of different farms sending pigs to a particular holding) while the other parameters were insignificant and did not indicate increased likelihood.