Superbug Charities Join Forces At Discover Dogs, London

Photocall: Saturday 8 November, stand 26, 1pm The Bella Moss Foundation (BMF), which has been helping all species of animals with MRSA since 2004, has teamed up with charity Max4Health to increase awareness of lethal superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium Difficate. Max4Health’s founder, Ashley Brooks, nearly died from an MRSA infection while being treated for leukaemia in 2002. He came up with the character of Max, an animated figure, to highlight the need for hand hygiene in reducing superbug infections. Max is now resident in 173 NHS hospitals across the UK as a constant reminder for staff in the form of posters, DVDs, badges, screen savers and floor markings. Ashley and a life-sized Max will join Jill Moss President of BMF at Discover Dogs to teach the public simple hand washing techniques that can reduce the cross infection of bacteria between humans and animals. Jill Moss, who’s beloved Samoyed was the first recorded canine to contract the human strain of MRSA, said, “We are so excited to be supported by Max4Health and grateful to Ashley and his team for sparing so much of their time to help us fight the crusade against superbugs. One in ten people in the UK carries MRSA harmlessly in their nose and the only way we can protect our pets is to practice good hand hygiene.” Ashley Brooks comments, “I want to save lives and hand washing alone is the single most effective way of cutting infection rates. Max4Health already helps humans and I now want to bring our message to UK pet owners. Everyone can help by learning good hand washing techniques.” The BMF and Max4Health are also collaborating on an information leaflet for the public and veterinary profession that will be produced in March 2009.

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