11/14/2023
RAW DOG FOOD LINKED TO DRUG RESISTANT SALMONELLA INFECTIONS.
Important information below if you feed your dogs raw pet food and you have young children.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections in six provinces.
Many of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger. Illnesses associated with this outbreak strain may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics, if antibiotic treatment is needed.
The outbreak is ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.
Based on the investigation findings to date, two sources have been identified:
• Exposure to raw meat prepared for pets (raw pet food) has been identified as a likely source for some of the illnesses reported in this outbreak. Some of the individuals who became sick reported exposure to raw pet food, or to dogs fed raw pet food, before their illnesses occurred. A single common supplier of raw pet food has not been identified.
• Contact with cattle, particularly calves, has also been identified as a likely source for some of the illnesses reported in the outbreak.
The outbreak investigation is ongoing and it's possible that additional sources may be identified.
The outbreak is a reminder that Salmonella bacteria can be found in raw pet food and in many species of animals, including dogs and cattle. Always use safe food handling practices when preparing, cooking, or storing raw pet food to prevent illness. Practice good hand hygiene and frequent handwashing after contact with dogs fed raw pet food, cattle, and their environments.
The outbreak strain of Salmonella that made people sick has been found in raw pet food from the home of an ill individual. If contaminated, raw pet food can also make your pets sick. Infected pets can also spread bacteria, like Salmonella, to individuals they are in contact with, even if they do not show any signs of illness. This outbreak strain of Salmonella has also been found in sick dogs and cattle, and some of these animals have died.
As of November 11, 2023 there are 40 confirmed cases of XDR Salmonella , illnesses have been found in six provinces: Ontario (14), Quebec (21), Manitoba (1), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (2), and Prince Edward Island (1).
Symptoms typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, and usually last for 4-7 days.
Symptoms may include:
• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• abdominal cramps
People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected.
PHAC does not recommend feeding raw pet food to pets, especially in households with young children or individuals who have a compromised immune system, as they are at greater risk for more serious illness.
• Harmful germs such as Salmonella and E.coli (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/e-coli.html) have been found in commercially prepared raw pet food and treats and can be found in many raw meats and products used in homemade diets.
• Animals fed raw meat diets (raw pet food) are more likely to pass (shed) harmful germs through their f***s than those fed exclusively kibble or cooked diets, even when they appear healthy.
• When deciding what to feed to your pet, always talk to your veterinarian first. They can he
lp you determine what is best to keep your pet and your family healthy.
If you choose to feed your pet raw pet food, the following tips may help reduce the risk of a Salmonella infection:
•Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after feeding, playing, handling or cleaning up after pets.
•Wash and sanitize any containers, utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with raw pet food before using them again. This includes food and water bowls, countertops, microwaves and refrigerators.
•Use dedicated dishes and utensils to serve your pet and wash them separately from other dishes and utensils.
•Store all pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and away from reach of young children. •Pick up treats and food bowls when your pet is done with them.
