Pet Health Alert: Are Foodborne Illnesses a Threat to Your Pet?

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve surely seen the recent increase in foodborne illnesses, such as the recent cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks. As a result, there have been a number of food recalls across the country. We know these illnesses pose a threat to humans, but what about our pets?

Cyclospora

What is cyclospora?

Possibly the most notorious example in the news lately, cyclospora is a protozoal (microscopic) parasite that can cause digestive tract illness. Foodborne illness caused by cyclospora is usually associated with fresh fruits and vegetables contaminated with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

The parasite oocysts (eggs) are shed in the feces of sick humans and become infective within one to two weeks. Transmission occurs when humans ingest foods contaminated with the infective oocysts.

When humans consume contaminated water or food, the intestinal illness can cause watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. It is a treatable illness, and a healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics as needed. The current multistate outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce.

Can pets be affected by cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a human parasite and unlikely to cause illness in pets. Occasionally the oocysts from this parasite have been found in the feces of dogs but it has not been associated with illness in dogs. There is no evidence that cats can become infected or develop illness when exposed to cyclospora in food.

Can pets infect people?

It is unlikely that a person would develop illness from a pet exposed to cyclospora. If a dog ingested the parasite and passed it in their feces, the oocysts would not become infective until one or two weeks later. Thoroughly washing hands and maintaining good hygiene when cleaning up dog feces will limit exposure further.

E. coli

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli are bacteria that are found in the digestive tract of most animals. Some strains of E. coli are harmless or potentially beneficial while others can cause severe illness, with the most common one associated with food recalls being E. coli 0157. A recent recall of frozen blueberries was due to an outbreak of E. coli.

Can pets be affected by E. coli?

Animals can become infected with E. coli by ingesting the bacteria. Infections in animals are most commonly obtained by consumption of feces from an infected animal or ingesting raw food (especially meat) contaminated with E. coli.

Is there any risk to people?

There is a risk to humans from handling E. coli contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. The risk of transmission from pets to humans is very low. Always be sure to wash your hands after feeding, playing, petting, etc. and be careful not to step into your pet’s feces.

How can I tell if my pet’s been exposed to E. coli?

Most pets with E. coli infections may not show any signs. Some (especially young animals or animals with a compromised immune system) may be lethargic and have diarrhea, vomiting and/or become severely dehydrated. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed recalled foods or products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella

What is salmonella?

Salmonella are bacteria that are the most frequently reported cause of foodborne illness. Eggs and jalapeño peppers have been connected to a recent salmonella outbreak. Both humans and animals are susceptible tothese bacteria. Salmonella lives in the intestinal tract of humans and animals and is released through feces.

Can pets be affected by salmonella?

Animals can become infected with salmonella by ingesting the bacteria. Infections in animals are most commonly obtained by consumption of feces from an infected animal. Although uncommon, salmonella can also get into and persist in fresh foods or pet food and affect animals eating these contaminated products.

Is there any risk to people?

There is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. If your pet has been diagnosed with a salmonella infection, please be sure to speak with a healthcare professional about the risks and about prevention strategies as well, especially if you have risk factors, such as being immunocompromised or having very young or elderly individuals in the home. Always be sure to wash your hands after feeding, playing, petting, etc. and be careful not to step into your pet’s feces.

How can I tell if my pet’s been exposed to salmonella?

Most pets will remain asymptomatic. Young or immunocompromised pets are at higher risk for developing symptoms. Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed recalled foods or products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. 

There are a few easy steps you can take to help reduce the risk of salmonella infection in your pet:

• When purchasing pet food, make sure there is no visible damage to the packaging.
• Regularly wash pet food and water bowls.
• Promptly refrigerate or discard left-over wet pet food.
• Wash hands before and after handling raw meat or eggs.
• Clean areas used to prepare food immediately after use.

What To Do if You Suspect Illness

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something contaminated, or is showing signs of illness, seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend reaching out to ASPCA Poison Control at (888)-426-4435 for further treatment recommendations and guidance.