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Veterinary mobile phones contaminated with bacteria, study finds
Stapphylocci were found on 68 per cent of the PEDs swabbed.
Survey reveals only six per cent of hospital staff clean their devices daily.

Almost 70 per cent of tablets and mobile phones used in veterinary hospitals are contaminated with Staphylococcus bacteria, according to new research.

The study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that 68 per cent of portable electronic devices (PEDs) used by veterinary team members are contaminated with Staphylococci, including strains resistant to vancomycin and oxacillin.

In the study, researchers took swab samples from the screen and buttons of PEDs (such as mobile phones and tablets) of staff working with canine and feline patients. They also asked the participants to complete a questionnaire to discover how often their PEDs are used and to ascertain the frequency and method of PED cleaning.

Study author Georgia Vinall said: “Useable swab samples were taken from 47 devices; Staphylococcus spp. were cultured from 68 per cent of PEDs with a median of 10 colonies grown per device.

“Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. were found on 36 per cent of devices, whilst oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. were cultured from two per cent of devices. DNA sequencing identified three Staphylococcus species; S. capitis, S. epidermidis and S. hominis which are most likely associated with humans as either sources or transmission vectors.”

Ms Vinall continued: “The results of the survey indicate that 96 per staff of staff had a PED which they used in the hospital environment, of which 85 per cent use their device every day. Despite the high usage of PEDs in the hospital environment, only six per cent of staff cleaned their device daily, with 33 per cent of staff cleaning their PED less than weekly. Furthermore, only 54 per cent of staff cleaned their device with a disinfectant.”

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo said: “This study demonstrates that PEDs may become contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Although this specific study did not focus on transmission of these microorganisms, and therefore it is unclear what are the clinical implications of this finding, it seems prudent to develop appropriate protocols for cleaning of PEDs in veterinary hospitals.” 

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.