Carriers: Pigs can host the bug

The bug, which can be passed on to humans and spread by them, is thought to be the product of intensive farming and the use of antibiotics to protect livestock.

Like many food bugs, it can be killed by cooking and it is normally dangerous only to those already fighting another illness. However, like hospital MRSA, its resistance to antibiotics means that it is difficult to treat once an infection has developed.

The bug has been discovered by researchers in the Netherlands, Denmark and other European states in pigs, chicken and dairy cows. Britain imports thousands of tons of fresh meat from Europe.

It is also believed that it is present here on farms which raise animals in near identical conditions to those on the Continent.

Once it is in the human population it lives inside the nose, which means it can be spread through sneezing or contact.

Source: This is London