Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Potential Risk Factors in Selected Dairy Farms at the Interface of Animal and Human in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been reported as the most commonly isolated highly contagious pathogen from human, animals and animal products. Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant pathogen with zoonotic potential that could have devastating consequence for the health and well-being of animals and human.

Prevalence of S. aureus in milk showed statistically significant association with respect to previous mastitis exposure and farm types (p = 0.011). High level of resistant to penicillin and ampicillin was observed. Therefore, effective mastitis control programs, best veterinary practice among all farms and use of antibiotics in the farm should be strictly controlled.