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Prof. Nicola Williams, Professor of Bacterial Zoonotic Disease at the University of Liverpool, said:
“Current data does not suggest that livestock-associated MRSA is common among UK pig herds. Even if herds are infected with significant levels of the bacteria, the extent of contamination of meat with MRSA will be much lower than compared to food-poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella, so the risk of transmission to people will be lower.
“Adopting good hygiene practices in the kitchen, washing your hands when handling raw meat and cooking meat properly should minimise any risk. It is important to remember that even if someone does become colonised with MRSA it does not mean they will necessarily develop disease or illness. People can carry MRSA in their nose and throat without it causing an infection; however, it does mean that by carrying the bacteria you may be more likely to develop a subsequent infection – if you undergo surgery for example, or if you are immunocompromised.”
