Inca, a six-year-old Rottweiler that had recovered from MRSA, was present at the Bella Moss Foundation stand at Discover Dogs last weekend to help show that it is perfectly possible to overcome the infection.
Inca’s owner, Terry Mansfield, CBE, Chairman of Hearst Media Corporation had been in touch with The Foundation since Inca contracted MRSA at the Royal Veterinary College after undergoing orthopaedic surgery. “When Inca developed MRSA we were fortunate to discover The Bella Moss Foundation.” Said Terry. “Jill and Mark gave us support and good advice which made a tremendous difference, and we’re glad to be here with them. Most people have no idea that MRSA can affect pets, and it’s great for me to be here with Inca to show that it doesn’t have to be a fatal infection.”
Inca has made a full recovery from MRSA and clearly enjoyed being the centre of attention for the hour she was on the stand. Jill Moss, President of The Foundation, said “So many people believe that MRSA is always fatal, but Inca, like many of the animals we have been involved with, is living proof that full recovery is perfectly possible, and we wanted people to get that message.”The Foundation had received permission from the Kennel Club to videotape some of the activities and visitors to the stand, and Terry was pleased put on the record how helpful and supportive The Foundation had been. Many of the visitors to the stand said how important they thought the work of The Foundation was, particularly when most people thought MRSA was always fatal.
“The vast majority of people coming to the stand say that they never knew pets could get MRSA,” said Jill, “but with the information we gave them and through talking to them we were able to reassure them about the true risks. There is still too much misunderstanding about MRSA in animals, but we know that the people who came to the stand went away with accurate information and the knowledge that they can get help if they need it.”
This was the first time The Bella Moss Foundation had taken a stand at Discover Dogs and, like at Crufts, The Foundation was helped on the stand by volunteers, student vets from the Royal Veterinary College, London.
“We have worked very hard to develop good relationships within the veterinary profession,” said Jill “because we recognise that MRSA and other serious pathogens require collaboration if they are to be overcome successfully. Having students from the RVC helping on our stand and giving out our message shows that we are all working towards the same goal; improving the health of animals.”
Sophie Gray, a second year student at the RVC said “I was surprised by the number of pet owners who didn’t realise that animals could get MRSA. I am pleased to have helped in raising awareness of MRSA in animals and, as a veterinary student, I think more needs to be done to make vets aware of the potential dangers of MRSA before cases become more widespread.”
Pet owner Tina Mueller Griffiths owner of Mr Otto helping BMF at Discover dogs
“Following my recent experience of my dog Mr Otto contracting mrsa I feel it important to eduate both vet professional and pet owner towards better hygiene that’s why I am helping today on the Bella Moss Foundation stand and will continue to dedicate my support to Jill”.
Mark Dosher, Secretary of the Bella Moss Foundation, said “Having students here on the stand has been great for everyone. Pet owners appreciate seeing people helping us who are training to be vets, and it helps the students see first-hand the issue from the owners’ perspective. We think it will make a difference to how our future vets think about pet owners and organisations like The Foundation that actively work with the veterinary profession.”
Of the overall event, Jill Moss said “Being at events such as Discover Dogs is incredibly important to us because of the number of people out there who still have no idea that MRSA can infect animals. We want to give them the facts and reassure them about the risks, but we know that all pet owners need to be alert to the dangers so that they can make sure their pet has the very best chance of staying healthy.”
People wanting more information can contact The Foundation through their website, www.thebellamossfoundation.com or by emailing info@thebellamossfoundation.com
ENDS
Quotes
‘The work that the Bella Moss Foundation does to highlight the potential of infection to the veterinary profession and the general public is vital. Veterinary students are very receptive to issues like this and their involvement at an early stage in their learning is very useful.
Chris Laurence MBE QVRM TD BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Director Dogs Trust
