Genomics to detect transmission of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from UK pigs in abattoirs during slaughter.

This article focuses on the genomic analysis of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in pigs at UK abattoirs to assess transmission and cross-contamination risks. Whole-genome sequencing of 85 LA-MRSA isolates from pigs at seven commercial abattoirs revealed all isolates belonged to clonal complex 398 (CC398), predominantly spa type t011, with phylogenetic analysis indicating close relatedness among isolates from different abattoirs and European pig populations. The study identified between one and four distinct clones per abattoir, suggesting transmission occurred on farms, during transport, and within abattoirs, particularly in lairage and post-stunning areas. These findings highlight the potential occupational health risks for abattoir workers and support the need for enhanced biosecurity and disinfection measures, as well as further genomic surveillance to identify contamination hotspots.