Safety Report: Raw pet food and contact with cattle linked to drug-resistant Salmonella outbreak, Quebec, Canada

Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella outbreak linked to raw pet food and contact with cattl . As of November 11, 2023 there are 40 confirmed cases of XDR Salmonella illness in 6 provinces: Manitoba (1), Ontario (14), Quebec (21), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (2), and Prince Edward Island (1). 13 individuals have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between July 2020 and September 2023. This investigation is ongoing.

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 was initially detected due to an increase in reports of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella illnesses across multiple jurisdictions in Canada. Laboratory methods identified that certain Salmonella cases traced back to 2020 shared the same strain with those reported in 2023.

The Salmonella strain in this outbreak is resistant to a broad range of antibiotics, making treatment particularly challenging if deemed necessary. It's crucial for individuals who suspect they have symptoms of Salmonella infection to contact their healthcare provider.

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

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2023/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html