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MRSA in pets shouldn't be a major concern

DREW WILKINS
DWILKINS@KJCT8.COM

GRAND JUNCTION -- MRSA, the drug resistant staph infection, can disfigure and even kill, and its now in showing up in animals.   So how concerned should pet owners be, and how you can keep you and your pets safe?

The thought of MRSA possibly being spread between pets and humans and from one pet to another is quite frightening.

A visit to any dog park shows the close interaction between pets and their owners, but local veterinarian Dr. Aimee Johnson says MRSA in animals isn't something new. It's something we're now more aware of, and not something most people or their pets need to fear.

"It is not that prevalent," says Johnson, "So you know, I don't think people need to become frightened that if they touch a dog or a dog touches them that they're all the sudden going to get this horrible bacterial disease. So really, the way to avoid problems is just common hygiene."

By that, the doctor means you should cover any open wounds and make sure they are kept clean.

Also, you will want to wash your hands after petting or playing with your animals.

Dr. Johnson emphasizes that any normal healthy animal or human encountering this type of bacteria should be able to fight it off most likely without even knowing it.