Staphylococcus aureus in cattle

Cattle may carry Staphylococcus aureus on the skin or in the udder. If food is contaminated and handled or stored in a way that allows toxins to form, people who eat it may develop food poisoning. This is different from saying that every contact with cattle causes illness.

Food poisoning may present with sudden nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, sometimes with fever. Read more about Food Poisoning, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea, Fever, Nausea and Vomiting. Symptoms alone cannot prove which organism or food was responsible.

Do not drink raw milk or eat food that may have been contaminated. Follow safe handwashing and food-storage practices, and keep raw animal products separate from ready-to-eat food. If symptoms begin, take small frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink.

Keep a note of what was eaten, when symptoms started and whether anyone else became ill. A clinician can decide whether testing or public-health advice is needed. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed for significant dehydration when oral fluids cannot be kept down.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or persistent vomiting. Contact a clinician promptly if a young child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a chronic illness develops repeated diarrhoea or vomiting.

Ask whether your symptoms fit food poisoning, whether anyone exposed should be assessed, which fluids are suitable, and whether a stool or other test is useful. Mention raw-milk exposure, workplace contact with cattle, food timing, fever and any medicines you take.