Pet Dogs Identified as Unexpected Carriers of Salmonella
Salmonella is commonly associated with contaminated food or water, but a new study reveals pet dogs might also be significant carriers of this bacteria. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University (PSU) found that dogs, even when asymptomatic, can transmit nontyphoidal, antibiotic-resistant Salmonella to humans. This discovery highlights the close relationship between humans and their pets as a potential avenue for zoonotic disease transmission.
Salmonella, the most prevalent bacterial foodborne illness in the U.S., affects over a million people annually. The bacteria invade the intestinal lining, disrupting water absorption and causing symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and fever. These symptoms typically persist for four to seven days.
“Most people associate Salmonella with agricultural sources like eggs or beef,” said Sophia Kenney, lead author and PSU Animal Science student. “But unlike cows, we let dogs sleep in our beds and lick our faces. This close bond led us to question the role of companion animals in transmitting zoonotic diseases like Salmonella.”
Examining Salmonella Transmission in Dog-Owner Households: Key Data Sources
US Government department: Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Rawpixel
The study, published in Zoonoses and Public Health, examined how Salmonella spreads in households with dogs. The researchers analyzed two primary data sources:
- Veterinary Records: They reviewed 87 cases of Salmonella in pet dogs from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s veterinary network between 2017 and 2023.
- Human Infection Data: They matched these cases with 77 human infections recorded in a national health database, identifying 164 bacterial strains across 17 states that likely spread from dogs to humans.
These findings underscore the importance of basic hygiene. “Simple practices like washing hands after interacting with pets can protect both dogs and humans,” said study co-author and epidemiologist Nkuchia M’ikanatha. “With nearly 40% of Pennsylvania households and over half of U.S. homes owning dogs, we must remain vigilant against Salmonella.”
Beyond this study, other efforts are advancing the fight against Salmonella. In 2023, Canadian researchers developed a rapid test that identifies the bacteria in food within an hour, offering potential benefits for poultry producers, supermarkets, and food safety measures.
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