Bacterial cells of Staphylococcus aureus Photo: Erbe, Pooley/USDA, ARS, EMU

Researchers are recommending that the monitoring of veterinary antibiotic use be increased after finding significant levels of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs.

A study at Hong Kong Polytechnic University discovered the bacteria in 24% of humans and 8.8% of dogs, but found that antibiotic resistance was much more common in dogs.

Colonization of dogs was not associated with close human contact, but was strongly associated with healthcare occupations. In outbreaks, healthcare workers' pets should be considered a source of S aureus, said the researchers.

› Not a subscriber? Subscribe
› Sign up for free trial
› Blog: Down on the Pharm

• Antibiotic resistance spreading into the wild
• Manure management and antibiotic resistance genes
• Antibiotic resistance tracked