Resistant bacteria

There are quite a few of these so-called 'super-bugs' which can affect both pets and people. The limited range of drugs available for treating these infections increases the cost and complexity of treatment. Unfortunately, some infections may be untreatable.

Most of these bacteria are opportunists. They can live quite happily in the nose, skin or intestines  of healthy pets and people without causing any harm.  They only become a problem if the patient becomes vulnerable to infection. This is associated with specific factors such as weakened resistance, operations, wounds, ulcers, skin disease etc.  This is why maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and body is so important in preventing infection in the first place.

How to stop the spread of resistant bacteria

Bacteria are mainly picked up by touching a patient and  are then transferred via hands, door handles, computers, telephones etc.  Bacteria can also be spread indirectly through touching contaminated objects, like a pet's bandage or bedding, or through vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs and sneezes.

The bacteria can move from place to place in many different ways.  They may go from the environment to a person, from person to person, from a person to a pet, from a pet to a person and back to the environment.

This is why it is so important to adopt a very high standard of hygiene when you are  looking after a sick pet. If your pet is ill, talk to your vet about what you need to do and follow very strict hygiene precautions.