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Knight A, Bauer A, Brown HJ. Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported health outcomes in 2,536 dogs, after controlling for canine demographic factors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35578. [PMID: 39319144 PMCID: PMC11419885 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
To compare health outcomes between dogs fed meat and vegan diets, we surveyed 2,536 dog guardians who provided data and opinions about dogs fed conventional meat (1,370 = 54 %), raw meat (830 = 33 %) or vegan (336 = 13 %) diets for at least one year. We examined seven general indicators of illness: increased numbers of veterinary visits, medication use, progression onto a therapeutic diet after initial maintenance on a vegan or meat-based diet, reported veterinary assessment of being unwell, reported veterinary assessment and guardian opinion of increased illness severity, and number of health disorders per unwell dog. We also considered the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, based on reported veterinary assessments. In each dietary group the proportions of dogs considered to have suffered from health disorders were: conventional meat - 49 %, raw meat - 43 % and vegan - 36 %. Probabilities of suffering from a disorder respectively appeared highest in dogs fed conventional meat for 11 disorders, raw meat for eight disorders, and vegan diets for three disorders. We conducted regression analyses to control for differences in medically-relevant canine demographic variables, including age, sex, neutering status, breed size and unusually high exercise levels. Dogs fed vegan diets had the best health outcomes. This trend was clear and consistent, with dogs fed vegan diets usually having substantial and statistically significant decreases in risks of these seven general indicators of illness. These ranged from 14.4 % to 51.3 % compared to dogs fed conventional meat-based diets. For six specific disorders, vegan diets were associated with statistically significant risk reductions of 50 %-61 % compared to dogs fed conventional meat. After pooling our results with related studies published to date, vegan dog food was consistently associated with lowered risks of multiple specific health disorders. No health disorder was consistently more prevalent in dogs fed vegan diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Knight
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Alexander Bauer
- Statistical Consulting Unit StaBLab, Department of Statistics, LMU Munich, Ludwigstr. 33, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Hazel J. Brown
- Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, SO22 4NR, UK
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2
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Ruple A, Sargeant JM, O’Connor AM, Renter DG. Exposure variables in veterinary epidemiology: are they telling us what we think they are? Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1442308. [PMID: 39144077 PMCID: PMC11323118 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1442308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This manuscript summarizes a presentation delivered by the first author at the 2024 symposium for the Calvin Schwabe Award for Lifetime Achievement in Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, which was awarded to Dr. Jan Sargeant. Epidemiologic research plays a crucial role in understanding the complex relationships between exposures and health outcomes. However, the accuracy of the conclusions drawn from these investigations relies upon the meticulous selection and measurement of exposure variables. Appropriate exposure variable selection is crucial for understanding disease etiologies, but it is often the case that we are not able to directly measure the exposure variable of interest and use proxy measures to assess exposures instead. Inappropriate use of proxy measures can lead to erroneous conclusions being made about the true exposure of interest. These errors may lead to biased estimates of associations between exposures and outcomes. The consequences of such biases extend beyond research concerns as health decisions can be made based on flawed evidence. Recognizing and mitigating these biases are essential for producing reliable evidence that informs health policies and interventions, ultimately contributing to improved population health outcomes. To address these challenges, researchers must adopt rigorous methodologies for exposure variable selection and validation studies to minimize measurement errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Ruple
- Department of Population Health Sciences, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jan M. Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Annette M. O’Connor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - David G. Renter
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
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Morgan G, Pinchbeck G, Taymaz E, Chattaway MA, Schmidt V, Williams N. An investigation of the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae in raw and cooked kibble diets for dogs in the United Kingdom. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1301841. [PMID: 38260907 PMCID: PMC10800874 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1301841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Raw meat diets (RMD) for dogs are an increasingly popular alternative pet food choice, however studies worldwide have demonstrated them to be contaminated with zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, including bacteria resistant to critically important antibiotics. Despite this, few data exist surrounding the presence of these bacteria in RMD in the United Kingdom. The present study aimed to identify the most commonly selected RMD and non-raw diets (NRMD) by United Kingdom dog owners. Additionally, it investigated the presence of AMR-Enterobacteriaceae in samples of pre-prepared RMD and cooked commercial kibble dog foods. An online survey investigating diet preferences of United Kingdom dog owners was open for 6 weeks between February-March 2020. From this, the top 10 brands of pre-prepared raw and cooked kibble diets were ascertained and 134 samples purchased (110 RMD, 24 kibble) and subjected to microbiological testing. Bacterial enumeration of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae was undertaken, and the presence of Salmonella spp. and AMR-E. coli within samples determined. Whole genome sequencing was undertaken on Salmonella spp. and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Pre-prepared RMD was most commonly selected by dog owners who fed RMD, and cooked commercial complete dry food was most frequently fed by owners who fed NRMD. Damaged and leaking packaging was observed in samples of RMD, alongside variability in information provided surrounding product traceability. Counts of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae exceeding >5,000 CFU/g were identified in samples of RMD. AMR-, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and 3GCR-E. coli was isolated from 39, 14 and 16% of RMD samples, respectively. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Of the ESBL encoding genes, blaCTX-M-15 was most commonly identified. S. enterica was isolated from 5% of RMD samples. No Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from any of the cooked kibble samples. The present study suggests that pre-prepared RMD available for dogs in the United Kingdom can be contaminated with zoonotic and AMR-Enterobacteriaceae. RMDs, therefore, are potentially an important One Health concern. Veterinary and medical professionals, pet food retailers and pet owners should be aware of these risks; and stringent hygiene measures should be practiced if owners choose to feed RMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genever Morgan
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Gina Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Eda Taymaz
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Anne Chattaway
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Schmidt
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Williams
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
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Riker J, Miller DM, Blas-Machado U, Lieske DE, Stilwell JM, McCullough K, Sanchez S, Rissi DR. Systemic salmonellosis in 4 cats. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:581-584. [PMID: 37329122 PMCID: PMC10467452 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231181389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical signs in 4 cases of salmonellosis in cats included vomiting, diarrhea (2 cases each), fever, dystocia, icterus, and seizures (1 case each). Three cats died, and one was euthanized. Grossly, all cats were in poor body condition and had yellow-to-dark-red perianal feces (3 cases), oral and ocular pallor (2 cases) or icterus (1 case), fluid or pasty yellow intestinal contents (4 cases), white or dark-red-to-black depressed areas on the hepatic surface (2 cases), yellow abdominal fluid with swollen abdominal lymph nodes (1 case), and fibrin strands on the placental chorionic surface (1 case). Histologically, all cats had necrotizing enterocolitis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Other histologic findings included mesenteric (4 cases) or splenic (2 cases) lymphoid necrosis, and endometrial and chorioallantoic necrosis (1 case). Gram-negative bacilli were observed within neutrophils and macrophages in the intestinal lamina propria (4 cases), liver, spleen, lymph node, endometrium, and placenta (1 case each). Aerobic bacterial culture on frozen samples of small intestine, mesenteric lymph node, lung, and liver yielded Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Serotyping was consistent with S. Enteritidis (cases 1, 3) and S. Typhimurium (cases 2, 4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Riker
- Departments of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Doris M. Miller
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Departments of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Uriel Blas-Machado
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Departments of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Justin M. Stilwell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
| | - Kathryn McCullough
- Departments of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Daniel R. Rissi
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Departments of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Serra-Castelló C, Possas A, Jofré A, Garriga M, Bover-Cid S. High pressure processing to control Salmonella in raw pet food without compromising the freshness appearance: The impact of acidulation and frozen storage. Food Microbiol 2023; 109:104139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Eagan BH, Wang S, Hall N, Protopopova A. Consumer attitudes toward bacteriophage applications to pet food. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:921508. [PMID: 36032294 PMCID: PMC9403512 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.921508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used a two-part questionnaire to investigate consumer knowledge and attitudes toward bacteriophage applications in pet food, pet food safety, and environmental sustainability. Part 1 included questions about pet food safety, sustainability, and knowledge and attitudes toward bacteriophages. Next, participants reviewed educational materials about each, and Part 2 assessed if this increased knowledge of, or changed attitudes toward, bacteriophage application. Participants (n = 80), were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MT) (n = 45) and Social Media (SM) (n = 35). Mean responses in Part 1 and Part 2 were compared by paired t-tests, and mean responses between MT and SM were compared by t-tests. Participants reported pet food safety was important to them (combined proportion strongly agree or agree, mean ± SD) (75/80, 94%, MT 4.66 ± 0.60, SM 4.71 ± 0.95) and were most concerned with raw pet food safety (51/80, 64%, MT 3.88 ± 0.80, SM 3.17 ± 1.40). Participants rated environmental sustainability as important (61/80, 76%, MT 3.86 ± 0.94, SM 3.97 ± 0.66); however, it was not a strong driver of pet food purchasing (26/80, 33%, MT 3.31 ± 1.25, SM 2.82 ± 0.82). Overall, data showed an increase in knowledge of bacteriophages following a review of educational material. However, in the SM group, no statistically significant difference was observed in the comfort eating food with bacteriophage additives (SM Part 1 3.37 ± 1.05, SM Part 2 3.48 ± 1.12, p = 0.279), whereas the MT group did show an increase (MT Part 1 3.57 ± 1.01, MT Part 2 4.08 ± 0.92, p < 0.001). In the SM group, no statistically significant difference was observed in comfort feeding their pet food with bacteriophage additives (SM Part 1 3.40 ± 1.03, SM Part 2 3.45 ± 1.14, p = 0.571), whereas the MT group did show an increase (MT Part 1 3.57 ± 0.98, MT Part 2 4.31 ± 0.84, p < 0.001). The strongest objections related to safety concerns (20/53, 38%, MT 2.83 ± 0.96, SM 3.27 ± 0.84). These results demonstrate that despite increasing knowledge, there is still hesitancy among some consumers toward bacteriophage applications in pet food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey H. Eagan
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Siyun Wang
- Food, Nutrition and Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Hall
- Department of Food and Animal Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Alexandra Protopopova
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H. Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265662. [PMID: 35417464 PMCID: PMC9007375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative pet foods may offer benefits concerning environmental sustainability and the welfare of animals processed into pet foods. However, some worry these may compromise the welfare of pets. We asked 2,639 dog guardians about one dog living with them, for at least one year. Among 2,596 involved in pet diet decision-making, pet health was a key factor when choosing diets. 2,536 provided information relating to a single dog, fed a conventional meat (1,370 = 54%), raw meat (830 = 33%) or vegan (336 = 13%) diet for at least one year. We examined seven general indicators of ill health: unusual numbers of veterinary visits, medication use, progression onto a therapeutic diet after initial maintenance on a vegan or meat-based diet, guardian opinion and predicted veterinary opinion of health status, percentage of unwell dogs and number of health disorders per unwell dog. Dogs fed conventional diets appeared to fare worse than those fed either of the other two diets. Dogs fed raw meat appeared to fare marginally better than those fed vegan diets. However, there were statistically significant differences in average ages. Dogs fed raw meat were younger, which has been demonstrated to be associated with improved health outcomes. Additionally, non-health related factors may have improved apparent outcomes for dogs fed raw meat, for three of seven general health indicators. We also considered the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, based on predicted veterinary assessments. Percentages of dogs in each dietary group considered to have suffered from health disorders were 49% (conventional meat), 43% (raw meat) and 36% (vegan). Significant evidence indicates that raw meat diets are often associated with dietary hazards, including nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and pathogens. Accordingly, the pooled evidence to date indicates that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Knight
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Eason Huang
- Independent consultant, Rochedale, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicholas Rai
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Hazel Brown
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Rosario I, Calcines MI, Rodríguez-Ponce E, Déniz S, Real F, Vega S, Marin C, Padilla D, Martín JL, Acosta-Hernández B. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes isolated for the first time in feral cats: the impact on public health. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 84:101792. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge on Ownership, Zoonoses and Practices among Pet Owners in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123543. [PMID: 34944317 PMCID: PMC8697889 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pet ownership is common in most countries, but few published studies have addressed pet owners’ knowledge of zoonoses, pet contact practices, or awareness of zoonotic disease risks posed by pets. The aim of this study was to assess household knowledge, attitudes, and risks related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding participants’ demographic characteristics; household pet types and their importance to the family; pet contact-related attitudes; knowledge of zoonoses, high-risk groups, disease transmission pathways, and disease protection measures. It was observed that most participants considered pets an important part of the family. Nevertheless, high-risk practices were recurrent and pet owners’ knowledge was limited. These results reinforce the importance of further studies to better understand the existing gaps in knowledge of pet ownership and zoonoses and strengthens the need to adopt the One Health concept. Abstract Pet ownership is common in modern society. In Portugal, 38% and 31% of all households own at least one dog or cat, respectively. Few studies have ascertained the knowledge of pet owners on pet ownership and zoonoses, and none have been carried out in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to assess household knowledge and practices related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A face-to-face questionnaire was completed by 424 pet owners, from November 2019 to February 2020. Most respondents (97.2%) considered pets as an important part of the family, especially women (p = 0.036); 73.1% allowed their pets to live an indoor/outdoor life; 41.3% denied sharing the bed with their pets while 29% assumed they did it daily; 20.3% reported never kissing their pets/pets licking their faces. Furthermore, 73.6% considered animals as potential sources of human diseases, but only 25.9% reported knowing the definition of zoonoses; 96.9% considered the role of veterinarians important in protecting public health. The low level of knowledge of pet owners and the occurrence of high-risk behaviors indicates a need to strengthen communication between veterinarians, physicians, pet owners, and the general public towards reduce the risk of acquisition and transmission of zoonoses.
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Bulochova V, Evans EW. Raw Meat-Based Pet Feeding and Food Safety: Netnography Study of Pet Owner Comments and Review of Manufacturers' Information Provision. J Food Prot 2021; 84:2099-2108. [PMID: 34324637 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Feeding raw meat to domestic pets is a popular practice. Because of the potential food safety implications associated with handling raw meat, concerns about pet owner health have increased. For this study, a netnographic content analysis approach was used to analyze posts from Pet Forums Community online archives related to raw meat-based feeding and food safety (n = 308). United Kingdom manufacturer and supplier Web sites (n = 33) were reviewed for provision of food safety information related to raw meat-based pet feeding. The data were analyzed using a qualitative thematic approach and quantitative methods. Pet owner forum comments indicated potential malpractices and indifference toward possible food safety hazards when preparing raw meat-based pet food. Many were risk aware but indicated confusion regarding appropriate food safety practices. Although emotional concern about the safety of pets and children was expressed, contracting a foodborne disease was not perceived as a personal risk. In addition, the review identified that most (61%) manufacturer and supplier Web sites failed to provide food safety instructions or warnings to pet owners regarding raw meat-based pet food. Information was inconsistent and varied across sources. The most comprehensive sources of information were provided by manufacturers approved by the United Kingdom Pet Food Manufacturers' Association. This is the first netnography study to explore pet owner online reports and the provision of food safety information related to raw pet feeding. Findings suggest pet owners may not fully appreciate the potential risks associated with raw meat-based pet feeding. Consequently, there is a need for credible and consistent strategies to inform pet owners about potential implications associated with feeding raw meat to pets, as well as about safe food handling practices. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bulochova
- ZERO2FIVE Food and Drink Research Unit, Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 1YB, UK
| | - Ellen W Evans
- ZERO2FIVE Food and Drink Research Unit, Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 1YB, UK
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Dégi J, Imre K, Herman V, Bucur I, Radulov I, Petrec OC, Cristina RT. Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Salmonella in Urban Cats: Is There an Actual Risk to Public Health? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111404. [PMID: 34827342 PMCID: PMC8615022 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in the faeces of client-owned cats in urban areas and to evaluate the risk that is posed to public health. Fresh faecal samples were collected directly from the rectums from 53 diarrhoeic and 32 non-diarrhoeic cats. The samples were individually screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. using standard methods and, in the case of positive findings, the resulting typical colonies were then biochemically confirmed using the VITEK®2 automated system. Subsequently, all of the Salmonella spp. isolates were molecularly tested for the presence of the invA gene. All of the isolates were serotyped using the slide agglutination technique according to the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. The phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated strains was obtained from the VITEK®2 system using specific cards from the Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 16 of the samples (18.82%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. according to conventional and molecular testing methods. Serotyping of the Salmonella isolates showed the presence of three serotypes, namely S. enteritidis (n = 9; 56.3%), S. typhimurium (n = 4; 25%), and S. kentucky (n = 3; 18.8%). All of the tested strains showed strong resistance towards cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone. Additionally, resistance (listed in descending order of strength) was observed to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (11/16; 68.8%), ampicillin (10/16; 62.5%), ampicillin/sulbactam (9/16; 56.3%), gentamicin (9/16; 56.3%), nitrofurantoin (8/16; 50.0%), and amikacin (5/16; 31.3%). No resistance was expressed against ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and tobramycin. The results of this study highlight a substantial public health issue and medical concern, especially in vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Dégi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (K.I.); Tel.: +40-767-089-041 (J.D.); +40-742-502-626 (K.I.)
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.); (K.I.); Tel.: +40-767-089-041 (J.D.); +40-742-502-626 (K.I.)
| | - Viorel Herman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Iulia Bucur
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Isidora Radulov
- Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Oana-Cătălina Petrec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
| | - Romeo Teodor Cristina
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (V.H.); (I.B.); (O.-C.P.); (R.T.C.)
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Kananub S, Pinniam N, Phothitheerabut S, Krajanglikit P. Contamination factors associated with surviving bacteria in Thai commercial raw pet foods. Vet World 2020; 13:1988-1991. [PMID: 33132615 PMCID: PMC7566254 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1988-1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to identify the surviving bacteria in commercial raw pet food and to analyze the factors associated with their contamination. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 samples from 12 brands available in Thailand were randomly selected for analysis. Fifteen samples were frozen products and two were freeze-dried. The total bacterial counts (TBCs) of Clostridiumperfringens, Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Listeriamonocytogenes were measured. Association between the bacterial profile and feed ingredients, as well as with product types, was analyzed by Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Campylobacter was not found in any product, whereas Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. showed the highest prevalence with respect to the standard’s limits. The TBC was significantly related to the type of the products (frozen or freeze-dried), and S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were significantly related to a chicken-based diet. Conclusion: Pet food contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, storage, or even preparation. The freezing and drying processes may reduce, but not eradicate, the bacterial contamination in raw pet food. These results emphasize the need for quality control in the manufacturing process and show the importance of personal hygiene for the pet owner to reduce health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suppada Kananub
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nayika Pinniam
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sitthiporn Phothitheerabut
- Kamphaeng Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Praphaphan Krajanglikit
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Dodd S, Cave N, Abood S, Shoveller AK, Adolphe J, Verbrugghe A. An observational study of pet feeding practices and how these have changed between 2008 and 2018. Vet Rec 2020; 186:643. [PMID: 32554799 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet owners have many feeding options, some may be considered unconventional by veterinary practitioners. Provision of appropriate nutrition is a basic requirement, with adverse health outcomes possible when a pet diet is inadequate. OBJECTIVE To capture dog and cat feeding practices, with a special focus on countries with large English-speaking populations, and to compare with data published over the previous 10 years. METHODS An electronic questionnaire was provided for dog and cat owners online. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and comparisons made with data from nine peer-reviewed articles published over the previous 10 years. RESULTS Responses from 3673 English-speaking dog and cat owners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA were included. In previous publications, conventional (commercial, heat-processed) products were the predominant method of feeding. In recent publications, feeding unconventional (raw, homemade, vegetarian) diets appeared more prevalent. In the present study, most (79 per cent dogs, 90 per cent cats) pets were offered conventional food. However a few (13 per cent dogs, 32 per cent cats) pets were fed conventional foods exclusively. Many pets were offered homemade (64 per cent dogs, 46 per cent cats) and/or raw (66 per cent dogs, 53 per cent cats) foods. Different feeding practices were associated with geographical location. CONCLUSION As an increased risk of nutrient insufficiency and associated conditions have been attributed to unconventional feeding practices, veterinarians must be aware of pet feeding trends and educate clients about the nutritional needs of companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dodd
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Cave
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Abood
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Kate Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Viana LM, Mothé CG, Mothé MG. Natural food for domestic animals: A national and international technological review. Res Vet Sci 2020; 130:11-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Morelli G, Catellani P, Miotti Scapin R, Bastianello S, Conficoni D, Contiero B, Ricci R. Evaluation of microbial contamination and effects of storage in raw meat-based dog foods purchased online. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 104:690-697. [PMID: 31789441 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Feeding raw-meat-based diets to companion animals has become a widespread practice, and many owners are now accustomed to buying frozen ingredients online. The goals of this study were to assess the microbiological quality of raw-meat dog foods obtained from specialized websites and to evaluate the effects of storage at different temperatures for a few days. Twenty-nine raw dog food products were processed for quantitative bacteriology (i.e. total viable count, TVC; Escherichia coli; faecal coliforms, FC) and sulphite-reducing clostridia, and analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Clostridium difficile. Every sample was examined right after the delivery (T0), after 24 to 48 hr and after 72 hr, both at 2°C and 7°C. At T0, the mean score for the TVC was 5.9 × 106 cfu/g (SD = 4.8 × 107 cfu/g), while those for E. coli and FC were 1.1 × 104 cfu/g (SD = 2.5 × 105 cfu/g) and 3.3 × 103 cfu/g (SD = 6.5 × 104 cfu/g) respectively. The samples stored at 2°C had a significant increase of all parameters (TVC: p < .01; E. coli: p = .03; FC: p = .04) through time. Noteworthy differences between the analyses performed at 2°C and 7°C were found for TVC (p < .01), being the samples considerably more contaminated at higher temperatures. No sample tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was isolated from 19 products, Y. enterocolitica from three products and Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile from four and six products respectively. The microbiological quality of raw-meat dog foods sold online appears to be poor, carrying considerable amounts of potentially zoonotic bacteria and reaching greater levels of bacterial contaminations if not kept at proper refrigeration temperatures and fed soon after defrosting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Morelli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Catellani
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Riccardo Miotti Scapin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Sofia Bastianello
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Daniele Conficoni
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Rebecca Ricci
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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Lappin MR, Elston T, Evans L, Glaser C, Jarboe L, Karczmar P, Lund C, Ray M. 2019 AAFP Feline Zoonoses Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:1008-1021. [PMID: 31613173 PMCID: PMC10814210 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19880436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM The overarching purpose of the 2019 AAFP Feline Zoonoses Guidelines (hereafter referred to as the 'Guidelines') is to provide accurate information about feline zoonotic diseases to owners, physicians and veterinarians to allow logical decisions to be made concerning cat ownership. SCOPE AND ACCESSIBILITY The Panelists are physicians and veterinarians who worked closely together in an attempt to make these Guidelines a document that can be used to support the International One Health movement. This version of the Guidelines builds upon the first feline zoonosis panel report, published in 2003 ( catvets.com/guidelines ), and provides an updated reference list and recommendations. Each of the recommendations received full support from every Panelist. Primary recommendations are highlighted in a series of 'Panelists' advice' boxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tom Elston
- The Cat Hospital, 3069 Edinger Avenue, Tustin, CA, USA
| | - Lisanne Evans
- All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA
| | - Carol Glaser
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente, CA, USA
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Piva S, Pietra M, Serraino A, Merialdi G, Magarotto J, Giacometti F. First description of Streptococcus lutetiensis from a diseased cat. Lett Appl Microbiol 2019; 69:96-99. [PMID: 31063246 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes for the first time the isolation of Streptococcus lutetiensis in a cat with intestinal lymphoma. The Streptococcus bovis group has undergone significant taxonomic changes over the past two decades and, in 2002, Poyart et al. described two distinct novel species within the genus Streptococcus: Streptococcus lutetiensis and Streptococcus pasteurianus. The bovis group streptococci include commensal species and subspecies or opportunistic pathogens of humans and animals. The cat was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Bologna for chronic diarrhoea associated with fresh blood. A diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma was advanced. S. lutetiensis was accidentally isolated from the faeces of the cat and identified through MALDI-TOF and 16s rRNA sequencing. The Kirby-Bauer test revealed that the isolate was resistant to enrofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, marbofloxacin and tetracycline. The detection of S. lutetiensis in cat faeces might suggest that it could be a normal inhabitant of cat intestinal tract or that it could be involved in the manifestation of intestinal diseases. Since bacteria belonging to the S. bovis group are considered emerging pathogens, additional research is required to evaluate the role of S. lutetiensis in cats and its role in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study the isolation of Streptococcus lutetiensis from a cat with intestinal lymphoma was described for the first time. An antimicrobial susceptibility test performed by means of the disc diffusion method revealed that the isolate was resistant to enrofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, marbofloxacin and tetracycline. Nowadays the ecological or pathogenetic role of S. lutetiensis in the gut of animals remains unclear but, even if its role as commensal bacterium was confirmed, the presence of multi-resistant S. lutetiensis in cat gut could favour the transmission of antimicrobial resistance to other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Piva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Pietra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Serraino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Merialdi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna 'Bruno Ubertini', Brescia, Italy
| | | | - F Giacometti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Milanov D, Aleksić N, Vidaković S, Ljubojević D, Čabarkapa I. Salmonella spp. in pet feed and risk it poses to humans. FOOD AND FEED RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.5937/ffr1901137m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Distinct fermentation and antibiotic sensitivity profiles exist in salmonellae of canine and human origin. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:15. [PMID: 29482521 PMCID: PMC5828451 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salmonella enterica is a recognised cause of diarrhoea in dogs and humans, yet the potential for transfer of salmonellosis between dogs and their owners is unclear, with reported evidence both for and against Salmonella as a zoonotic pathogen. A collection of 174 S. enterica isolates from clinical infections in humans and dogs were analysed for serotype distribution, carbon source utilisation, chemical and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. The aim of the study was to understand the degree of conservation in phenotypic characteristics of isolates across host species. Results Serovar distribution across human and canine isolates demonstrated nine serovars common to both host species, 24 serovars present in only the canine collection and 39 solely represented within the human collection. Significant differences in carbon source utilisation profiles and ampicillin, amoxicillin and chloramphenicol sensitivity profiles were detected in isolates of human and canine origin. Differences between the human and canine Salmonella collections were suggestive of evolutionary separation, with canine isolates better able to utilise several simple sugars than their human counterparts. Generally higher minimum inhibitory concentrations of three broad-spectrum antimicrobials, commonly used in veterinary medicine, were also observed in canine S. enterica isolates. Conclusions Differential carbon source utilisation and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles in pathogenic Salmonella isolated from humans and dogs are suggestive of distinct reservoirs of infection for these hosts. Although these findings do not preclude zoonotic or anthroponotic potential in salmonellae, the separation of carbon utilisation and antibiotic profiles with isolate source is indicative that infectious isolates are not part of a common reservoir shared frequently between these host species.
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