Feasibility and acceptability of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biosecurity measures in equine...

Biosecurity measures are recommended in stables housing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive horses, but their feasibility and acceptability, as well as their implementation barriers, remain unclear.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among clients of a veterinary teaching hospital using an online questionnaire. Information on horse activities, stable characteristics and perceptions (feasibility and acceptability scores) of recommended biosecurity measures for MRSA-positive horses was collected.

Fifty-seven horse and/or stable owners completed the questionnaire. Direct contact between horses and shared equipment was reported by 96% and 58% of the respondents, respectively. Hand sanitisers were present in 88% of the stables, but 12% lacked sinks. In a case of MRSA-positive horse, respondents strongly supported adherence to antibiotic therapy, avoidance of contact between horses or with high-risk body areas and hand washing. Measures requiring additional infrastructure or resources were perceived as less feasible and acceptable. Limited resources, financial constraints and seasonal factors were identified as barriers to implementation.

The study population may not be representative of all horse facilities.

While most measures were feasible and acceptable, challenges remain in implementing measures requiring additional infrastructures and staff.