New MRSA Superbug Strain Found In British Cows

Posted on June 3, 2011

British cows are the home of a newly discovered MRSA superbug. The MRSA strain from the cows is believed to be infecting humans. However, humans are not getting it from drinking milk or eating dairy products according to the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal. The BBC reports that the new bacteria has been dubbed "new MRSA" by its discoverers.

The Daily Mail reports that the same strain has been discovered in patients being treated for wound infections. Very few people (under 100) appear to have been infected by the new strain so far.

Overuse of antibiotics is being blamed for the new strain, but this has been proven. The Soil Association is calling for an end of the routine use of antibiotics in farming.