Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
Campus Bulletin
May 27, 2002
Large Animal Clinic only admitting emergency cases
The Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacterium has been detected in the Large Animal Clinic at the Ontario Veterinary College. MRSA is a bacterium found on the skin of healthy animals and people. Occasionally, “staph”-- as it is commonly referred to -- can get into the body and in rare cases cause an infection like pneumonia in both humans and other animals.
The University and OVC have taken routine steps to contain this organism within the clinic, and affected animals have been isolated. As an added precaution, the Large Animal Clinic will only be accepting emergency cases for the time being. Staff have been informed of the presence of MRSA. The University is working with Canadian experts on this particular bacterium, who are located at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. All necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health of people and animals in the hospital will be taken.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Gisele MacNeil, Occupational Health Services, at Ext. 2133.
