Canadian officials have reported that outbreaks of Salmonella infections in humans have been traced to raw pet food and possible contact with cattle.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has just released information about the outbreak, which began in July 2020. Since then, 40 people have been confirmed to be infected with Salmonella I outbreak strain 4,[5],12:i:-.
Thirteen of the patients were so sick that they needed to be hospitalized. Patients ranged in age from less than 1 to 91 years old. Almost half of the sick are children 5 years old and younger.
The most recent person confirmed to have the outbreak strain of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- fell ill in September this year. The outbreak strain is widely drug-resistant, meaning infections from it can be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics, according to the public health agency.
“Using a laboratory technique called whole genome sequencing, it was determined that the same outbreak strain caused several Salmonella illnesses dating back to 2020 as in 2023. Recent illnesses may (still) be reported in outbreaks because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. The disease reporting period for this outbreak was between 4 and 8 weeks,” according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The agency has identified raw meat prepared for livestock and contact with cattle – particularly calves – as sources of Salmonella. However, the agency did not report the type of raw pet food implicated. The agency said an ordinary raw pet food supplier was not identified.
The outbreak strain of Salmonella confirmed in patients was found in raw pet food from the home of an ill individual. The outbreak strain of Salmonella was also found in sick dogs and cows, and some of the animals died.
Patients live in six Canadian provinces. Those provinces and the number of confirmed patients there are Manitoba with 1, Ontario 14, Quebec 21, New Brunswick 1, Nova Scotia 2, and Prince Edward Island 1.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate the outbreak. The collaborative outbreak investigation was initiated due to increasing reports of XDR Salmonella illnesses in multiple jurisdictions across Canada.
About Salmonella infections to people
Food and feeds contaminated with Salmonella bacteria do not spoil in appearance, smell, or taste. Anyone can get a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone exposed to raw pet food or cattle who develop symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever for 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea can be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
The elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop chronic and severe, sometimes life-threatening illnesses.
Some people are infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread infections to others.
Raw pet food
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends against feeding raw pet food to pets, especially in households with young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, as they are at greater risk for more serious illness.
- Harmful microbes such as Salmonella and E.coli have been found in commercially prepared raw pet foods and treats and may be found in many raw meats and products used in homemade pet diets.
- Animals fed raw pet food are more likely to shed harmful germs through their feces than those fed exclusively kibble or cooked food, even if they appear healthy.
- When deciding what to feed pets, people should talk to their veterinarians first.
If you choose to feed your pet raw pet food, the following tips may help reduce the risk of Salmonella infection:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after feeding, playing with, handling or cleaning up after pets.
- Wash and sanitize any containers, utensils and surfaces that have come in 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 pets and wash them separately from other dishes and utensils.
- Keep all food and pet food away from where human food is stored or prepared and out of the reach of small children. Pick up treats and food bowls when your pet is done with them.
- Raw pet food may need to be stored frozen or refrigerated. If thawing raw food:
- Keep pet food away from human food
- Please place it in a sealed, clean container to catch any juice that may leak out
- Thaw only if necessary
- Thaw on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator
- Do not refreeze food after thawing
- Don’t let your dog lick your face, mouth, or open wounds.
Contact with the Cow
- Always wash your hands before and after you touch cattle or anything else in areas where they live, roam, or eat. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
- If visiting a farm or petting zoo, wash your hands when you leave the animal areas, even if you don’t touch the animals directly.
- Do not eat or drink around cows. Keep food and drink away from animal areas.
- Always supervise children around animals, such as cows. Do not let children put their fingers or objects such as pacifiers in their mouths when they are around animals or in an animal area.
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