Campus Bulletin

Large Animal Clinic accepting general admissions

The Large Animal Clinic at the Ontario Veterinary College will return to general admissions as of Wednesday, June 5.

Last week, the clinic began accepting emergency cases only while steps were being taken to contain Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) that was detected in the clinic. 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 organism has been contained within the Large Animal Clinic as a result of precautions taken by hospital staff. An extensive environmental scan indicated no evidence of the bacterium in any public areas of the hospital. No new cases have been identified, and no animals are currently exhibiting any signs of disease associated with this bacterium. As well, no staff are exhibiting any symptoms related to MRSA.

Any questions or concerns about the health implications of MRSA, should be directed to Gisele MacNeil, Occupational Health Services, at Ext. 2133. Specific questions regarding MRSA in horses should be directed to Dr. Scott Weese at OVC, Ext. 4064.

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