Researchers at Pennsylvania University have found that household dogs may play a more significant role in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella than previously thought.
The study, which underlines the overlooked zoonotic potential of household pets, urges pet owners to adopt proper hygiene practices to safeguard public health.
The research, published in the journal Zoonoses and Public Health, underscores the risks posed by non-typhoidal Salmonella strains. These strains can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with severe cases leading to life-threatening situations. While Salmonella is typically associated with contaminated food or direct contact with infected individuals, researchers found evidence linking domestic dogs to the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant strains.
According to Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at Pennsylvania University, Salmonella infections in dogs may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, creating opportunities for the bacteria to move from dogs to humans. “The closeness between humans and their pet dogs provides ample opportunities for zoonosis, especially when pet food contamination or improper handling occurs,” she explained.
The experts analysed data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, identifying 87 cases of non-typhoidal Salmonella in domestic dogs from 2017 to 2023. When matched with human cases in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, 77 suspected zoonotic cases involving 164 strains across 17 U.S. states were found.
Strains isolated from dogs were clinically relevant to human health, with all samples carrying antimicrobial resistance genes for drugs deemed clinically approved by the World Health Organisation.
The study’s lead researcher, Sophia Kenney, emphasised the need for antimicrobial control within the ‘One Health Framework’, a collaborative approach to improving the health of people, animals, and the environment. It recognises that the health of these systems is interconnected and can be improved through collaboration. She explained saying, “We often associate Salmonella with agriculture, but companion animals live in closer proximity to humans. Unlike livestock, dogs sleep in our beds and lick our faces, increasing the risk of transmission.
Stressing on the Dangers posed by Salmonella-contaminated pet products, Nkuchia Mikanatha, co-author and epidemiologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, cited a past outbreak linked to pig ear pet treats that sickened 154 people across 34 states in the US
“Simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands after handling pets or pet-related items, are essential,” Mikanatha said. “Dogs are family, but even the healthiest pets can carry Salmonella. Awareness and vigilance are crucial to minimising risks within households.”
The researchers stressed that while the risks associated with Salmonella should not be ignored, the benefits of keeping dogs, such as reduced stress levels and increased physical activity, remain beneficial “Our goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to encourage awareness and preventive measures,” Nkuchia added.
The study, funded by U.S. federal health and agricultural agencies, calls for increased surveillance and targeted public health interventions to address the emerging challenges of antimicrobial resistance in household animals.
The authors emphasise the importance of maintaining a balance between the joys of pet companionship and the need for responsible hygiene practices to protect human and animal health.
