Pets and Salmonellosis

Roberta ShaferJul 5, 2021

Many people have acquired pets during the pandemic, since we have had so much time at home in the last year. We all enjoy having them and they provide many benefits such as companionship, reduction in anxiety and blood pressure, and of course being a good, non-judgmental listener. We delight in their antics and our love for them abounds, but have you ever thought that the food we feed them could carry bacteria that could make you ill? Many animals naturally carry salmonella bacteria in their intestines. In poultry it naturally passes from hen to chick during egg formation. Cats, dogs, and farm animals can carry it and never show symptoms of infection. Turtles, frogs, snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians also carry the bacteria, and their food sources such as insects, mice and rats do too. (1)

Salmonella is a bacterium that has as many as 2500 different strains or serotypes, but only approximately 100 of those types cause human infections. S. enteritidis and s. typhimurium are two of the serotypes that can cause human illness and as with other types of bacteria, they are becoming resistant to common types of medications used to treat diseases. (2)(3)

The pet food that you feed your pets can also be contaminated and unknowingly fed to your pet. You cannot see it or smell it. Many pet foods may contain animal protein that could potentially have bacteria present. Raw pet food presents more challenges than dry food or kibble. Raw food has water content high enough that the bacteria can not only survive, but they can thrive. Refrigerating or freezing the food will not kill salmonella, it only prevents the bacteria from reproducing rapidly. Frozen or live mice that are used for reptile food may naturally contain salmonella. A lethality step is needed to ensure that there are no harmful bacteria left to endanger pets or their human companions. All pet food manufacturers must try to reduce or eliminate salmonella. Dry food manufacturers normally have preventative steps in their processes to ensure that no salmonella survives, and the salt content and high temperatures used during the drying process kills the bacteria. Occasionally, issues in processing can happen and the lethality steps are not successful. Pet food manufacturers test their products for harmful and spoilage bacteria during the process or before they ship their products to distribution. If foods reach the market that contain salmonella, outbreaks can occur, and when that happens, the manufacturer’s will recall their products.

So how can we keep ourselves and our children safe? Use clean bowls and a dedicated scoop or cup for kibble. Do not clean your pet’s bowls or aquariums where food is prepared. Never share food with your pets. Letting your dog lick your ice cream cone is a good way to catch salmonellosis or other zoonotic diseases. Always wash your hands after feeding your pets, and cleaning their cages, or handling bedding, food, and water bowls. If frogs or turtles are your thing, clean and disinfect their aquariums, making sure that the water that is in them does not contaminate the surroundings, as bacteria will exist in the water. Once again, and I cannot emphasis this enough, wash your hands using soap and water! If soap and water are not available, use disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer, and wash them as soon as soap and water are available. Disinfect all bowls, utensils, cages, toys, and bedding if appropriate.

Backyard flocks of chickens and baby chicks are also good sources of salmonella. They may look cute and cuddly, but they can transmit the salmonella bacteria. Back yard poultry flocks have become very popular since the Covid-19 pandemic has kept most of us at home, but they can make you sick without the proper precautions. Children should never handle chicks, ducklings, or goslings without adult supervision. If possible, poultry should live outside in pens with adequate housing, food, and water. Do not keep poultry in the house. Make sure that good biosecurity measures are in place so that diseases do not spread from the flock to flocks or from wild birds to your flock. Washing wild bird feeders and disinfecting them is also important. Once again, hand washing is essential after handling pets. Runoff or the use of farm animal manure can also lead to infections if it is used on your lawn or garden. Vegetables should always be thoroughly washed prior to eating.

Who is more susceptible to catching salmonellosis from their pets? Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, such as people undergoing cancer treatments or taking arthritis medications. These special groups have been especially vulnerable to being infected. People who take certain acid reflux medications are also more likely to be infected, due to a reduced acid content in their stomachs. Normal acid production in the stomach reduces harmful bacteria as a means of a natural defense that occurs in the body. People in these categories need to be more vigilant with making sure they change their clothing and wash their hands after being exposed to live poultry and reptiles or amphibians.

What can we do to reduce our chances of catching salmonellosis?

Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling, feeding, or cleaning your pet’s items.
Do not allow children or other vulnerable people to handle live poultry, amphibians, or reptiles such as chicks, frog turtles or snakes.
If your pets seems to be ill, take them to receive veterinary care and make sure you inform the veterinarian if you have been feeding pet food that has been recalled for salmonella.
Do not bring live poultry into your home. Have appropriate pens and housing outside for them.
Be very careful when handling reptiles and amphibians. Kissing that frog may get you salmonellosis instead of a prince!
Wash your produce thoroughly if manure is used as a garden fertilizer.
Be careful when handling or feeding raw food to your pets. Always dispose of any leftover food so that bacteria do not have a chance to multiply.
Keep raw foods for your pets segregated from your own food in the refrigerator. Cross contamination can happen.

Now that we are aware of the potential to catch salmonellosis from our pets, we can make sure that we are taking the proper precautions when handling our pets, cleaning up after them and loving them. If you are interested in learning more, check out the CDC’s website which can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonella.html As always, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at roberta@food-safety-basics.com and I will be happy to answer them or try to find a resource that can. Be safe and wash your hands!