In August 2012, the AVMA House of Delegates approved a new policy on raw or
undercooked animal-source protein in dog and cat diets. Below are answers to the
questions we’ve received about this issue.
Q:
What is the AVMA’s policy on raw diets?
Q: Does the AVMA policy apply to all raw food fed to pets,
or only a certain type?
A: It only addresses raw or
undercooked animal-source protein, which includes meat or products from chickens
(including eggs), turkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, fish, deer, buffalo, or other
animal sources. It also includes raw, unpasteurized eggs and milk. And more
specifically, it addresses the need for eliminating pathogens from these diets
if they are to be fed to pets.
Q: How
did the AVMA policy come about?
A: The Delta Society (now Pet
Partners) contacted our Animal Welfare Division and inquired as to whether or
not the AVMA had a policy addressing raw feeding, primarily due to concerns
about therapy animals being fed raw diets. At the time, we did not have a policy
on the subject. Pet Partners did not request that AVMA develop a policy, and did
not suggest a specific policy. The Animal Welfare Division staff contacted the
AVMA Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine (CPHRVM) and
notified them of the inquiry. The CPHRVM discussed the matter and felt that the
AVMA should have a science-based policy addressing the public health risks of
raw food.
For a list of the scientific literature the CPHRVM reviewed when developing
this policy, see the
reference list.
Q: Do
other veterinary or public health groups have policies or statements about raw
diets for pets?
A: Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) makes the following
statement on its website:
FDA does not believe raw meat foods for animals are consistent with the
goal of protecting the public from significant health risks, particularly when
such products are brought into the home and/or used to feed domestic pets;
however, we understand that some people prefer to feed these types of diets to
their pets.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make the
following
statement on their website:
Raw diets, especially raw meat diets,
are not recommended because of the risk for salmonellosis and other infections
that can affect pets and their owners.
In addition, the CDC provided the following statement to the AVMA when the
policy was being considered:
CDC recommends against feeding raw food to dogs and cats because of the
risk of illness to the pet as well as to people living in the
household. Do not feed your pet a raw diet. Here is
why:
• Raw diets consist of foods such as meat, poultry, milk, and eggs
that have not been cooked or treated to remove harmful germs.
• These food items can carry harmful bacteria including Salmonella and
Campylobacter.
The American College of Veterinary Nutritionists (ACVN), in a FAQ document
on its website, makes the following statement:
Raw diets, both home-prepared and commercial, have become more popular.
Advocates of raw diets claim benefits ranging from improved longevity to
superior oral or general health and even disease resolution (especially
gastrointestinal disease). Often the benefits of providing natural enzymes and
other substances that may be altered or destroyed by cooking are also cited.
However, proof for these purported benefits is currently restricted to
testimonials, and no published peer-reviewed studies exist to support claims
made by raw diet advocates. No studies have examined differences in animals fed
raw animal products to those fed any other type of diet (kibble, canned, or home
cooked) with the exception of looking at the effects on digestibility. Typically
raw meats (but not other uncooked foods like grains or starches) are slightly
more digestible than cooked meat.
There are risks and concerns associated with the feeding of raw diets.
One of these is the risk of nutritional imbalances, which is a reality for both
home-prepared and commercial raw meat diets. Another important risk is related
to bacterial or parasitic contamination. Of course, food poisoning is also a
major concern for people, and the public health aspects of feeding raw foods to
pets cannot be overlooked. Safe and proper handling of raw foods is crucial for
reducing the risk, but safety cannot be guaranteed. At this time, the vast
majority of purported benefits of feeding raw foods remain unproven, while the
risks and consequences have been documented. It is best to discuss the choice of
feeding raw foods with your veterinarian so that an informed decision can be
made with regard to your pet’s diet.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) approved a
policy
in August 2012 that discourages feeding raw meat to pets. The National
Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) and American
Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) both endorsed the AAHA statement. The
policy was developed independently of the AVMA’s position, but was shared with
AVMA prior to posting on the website.
Q: What influence did the pet food industry have on the
AVMA’s policy?
A: None. Neither commercial nor raw
diet manufacturers were contacted during development of this policy because it
was based on public health risk, and not on nutritional comparisons, health
benefits, or economic factors. None of the pet food companies were aware that a
policy was being developed.
Q: What is your response to allegations that the AVMA is
“in the pockets” of the pet food industry?
A: These allegations are false. We
are a science-based organization, and this policy is based on scientific
research. Veterinarians are pet owners too. We love our animals and have the
experience and training to make educated decisions about what to feed our own
pets. Veterinarians choose and recommend diets based on what is best for the
animal – e.g., it is medically appropriate and nutritionally balanced to meet
that pet’s need. Many veterinarians feed commercial diets, and veterinarians are
free to make their own choices when it comes to feeding their pets.
Contrary to the internet rumors that have been propagated, none of our
Executive Board or House of Delegates members are employed by pet food
companies. AVMA Convention Sponsorship provides financial support for programs
and activities that are designed to enhance the attendees’ overall experience
through unique educational programs, networking events and entertainment
options. AVMA Convention Sponsorship provides visibility and engagement with
attendees for the sponsor, as well as an opportunity to support important
educational initiatives. AVMA Convention attendees are invited to attend and
participate in sponsored events without any obligation to promote, purchase or
sell the sponsor’s product or services.
The development of AVMA policy is independent of sponsorship. This is
critically important to us because we are expected to be objective,
science-based experts on animal health and welfare topics. Sponsorship is
necessary to allow us to provide experiences for our members, but we do not
allow sponsorships or sponsors to drive AVMA policy.
Veterinarians are independent thinkers, and are free to promote and sell
the products they feel will serve their patients’ and clients’ needs. We
encourage you to have an open discussion with your veterinarian about your pet’s
nutritional needs, and work with them to find the optimal diet for your pet.
Q: Why
does the policy only address raw protein diets, and not other foods?
A: The Council on Public Health and
Regulatory Veterinary Medicine (CPHRVM) felt that the science supported a policy
that specifically addressed the public health risks associated with
raw/undercooked animal-source protein that hasn’t been adequately treated to
remove pathogens. At a future meeting, the CPHRVM will discuss the pet food
recalls and the hazards associated with commercial pet foods to see if a policy
is needed. If the CPHRVM or another council or committee determines that other
policies addressing pet foods are indicated, they will be developed separately.
Note that with this policy we aren’t encouraging commercial diets, we’re
encouraging “commercially prepared or home-cooked food” (as stated in the
policy). As long as it isn’t raw or undercooked and doesn’t contain pathogens,
we’re not concerned with what it is or where it came from. Regardless of what
you feed your pet, the diet should be free of pathogens that can sicken you,
your pet and your family. Just like you, we also want pets’ diets to be
nutritionally balanced. We support the FDA’s efforts to ensure that pet foods
and treats of all types are safe and healthy for pets.
Q: What are raw diets?
A: Raw diets usually contain some or
all of the following: muscle meat from animals (often still on the bone); bones
(whole or ground); organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney); raw eggs; raw vegetables
and/or fruit; and possibly some dairy products, such as unpasteurized yogurt or
milk. As the name implies, the food is not cooked prior to feeding.
Q: What are the benefits of raw diets, and how do they
compare with commercially processed kibble diets?
A:
There are many anecdotal reports of benefits associated with feeding raw
food – including easier weight management; reduced dental disease; healthier
coat and skin; elimination of allergies; improved overall health and immunity;
and more – but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Raw food
advocates also contend that the diet more closely resembles what dogs’ and cats’
ancestors ate, but this does not account for the evolutionary, biological and
dietary changes that have accompanied domestication to produce the pet dogs and
cats that currently share our lives. According to the Pet Food Institute raw pet
foods comprise approximately less than 1% of the pet food market.
Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’
and cats’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and
minerals. They are convenient, cost less than raw or homemade diets, and are
readily available in most grocery stores, pet stores and “big box” stores. These
pet foods comprise the majority of the pet food market. Commercial foods are
nutritionally balanced and they undergo a process of quality control/ inspection
that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or
people.
At this time, there are no scientific studies comparing the health benefits
of raw and commercially prepared foods. The decision to feed one diet or another
is a personal decision made by the pet owner.
Q: What are the risks of raw diets, and how do they compare
with commercially processed kibble diets?
A: It’s common knowledge that raw
meat is likely to be contaminated with
bacteria; it’s not sterile by any means. Even USDA-inspected,
“human grade” meat is not free of bacterial contamination. Some of the
commonly-known pathogens that can be present in meat include
Salmonella, E.
coli, and
Campylobacter. Other pathogens that may contaminate raw
meat include
Toxoplasma gondii (the parasite that causes
toxoplasmosis),
Cryptosporidium, Echinococcus, Clostridium,
Neospora and
Sarcocystis.1-4 The same applies to raw meat fed to pets.
If the raw food isn’t adequately treated to eliminate pathogens, you could be
feeding your pet potentially harmful pathogens that could cause illness in your
pets and/or your family.
The biggest difference is that raw meat is cooked (which kills the
bacteria) before it is fed to your family, but the meat is not cooked prior to
being fed to a raw-fed pet. When you feed meat to your family, precautions
should be taken to store, handle and prepare the meat in order to prevent
foodborne illness. Therefore, your family’s risk of infection with these
bacteria is low when the appropriate precautions are taken, but the risk of your
pet being exposed to and infected with the bacteria is higher because the food
isn’t cooked to kill the bacteria.
Scientific studies have confirmed that pets fed raw diets contaminated with
Salmonella can become Salmonella carriers; this means that
they don’t develop any illness, but the Salmonella bacteria are shed in
the pet’s feces (stool) and can contaminate the environment and potentially
infect people with the bacteria. For example:
- Salmonella has caused illness in dogs fed raw diets.5
- Salmonella has been found in the stool of sled dogs and racing
greyhounds fed raw diets.6-8
- An outbreak of Salmonella associated with raw feeding caused
illness in 27 puppies from 8 litters at a Greyhound breeding facility. Ten of
the affected puppies (37%) died. Salmonella was cultured from the raw
diet and the environment. Salmonella was cultured from 57 of 61 (93%)
stool samples.9
- Salmonella organisms were isolated from 8 of 10 samples (80%) of
homemade raw diets. The bacteria were also found in the stool of 3 of 10 dogs
fed homemade raw diets, but in none that were fed commercial diets. While 3/10
may seem like a low number, actual number infected may be significantly
higher. It is well known that Salmonella is shed intermittently,
therefore others may have been infected but not shedding at the time the stool
samples were tested.10
- Five of 7 dogs shed Salmonella after consuming a raw diet, and the
type of Salmonella was identical to that cultured from the raw food.
Healthy dogs became infected with Salmonella after a single meal.11
- Salmonella was recovered from the stool of 6 of 42 dogs (14.3%) fed
raw meat, versus 0 of 49 dogs that were not on raw meat diets.12
- Salmonella cultured from the gut and lungs of two cats that died
from salmonellosis was identical to the Salmonella cultured from the
raw diet they were fed.13
In a 1999 study,14
indoor-only cats fed raw meat in addition to a home-cooked or commercial diet
were significantly more likely (19.1% vs. 2.2%) to be positive for antibodies to
Toxoplasma gondii (indicating exposure and infection); outdoor cats fed
raw meat were almost twice as likely to test positive for antibodies to T.
gondii (30.3% vs 18.4%) than those fed only home-cooked or commercial
diets. Another study in 2008 determined that cats fed raw or undercooked viscera
(organs) or meat were more than twice as likely (53.5% vs 22.9%) to be
antibody-positive for T. gondii.15
In addition, some raw diets may not be nutritionally balanced for pets.
This can result in deficiencies or imbalances, particularly of vitamins and
minerals, that can be harmful.16 This can be particularly
problematic in puppies and kittens, because calcium/phosphorus imbalances can
lead to bone deformities and growth problems. If you choose to feed raw foods,
consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to develop a diet that
meets your pet’s nutritional needs. The high protein levels in raw meat-based
diets can be harmful to pets with liver or kidney disease.
Bones or bone fragments in some raw diets can result in intestinal
obstruction or perforation, gastroenteritis and fractured teeth.16
Salmonella has been cultured from raw diets in several
studies,16-18 underscoring
the need to adequately treat the diets to eliminate pathogens. In contrast,
commercially prepared diets – kibble or canned – are considered adulterated and
unfit for consumption if they test positive for bacteria.
Salmonella infections have certainly been associated with
commercially prepared kibble diets, but there have been no studies to determine
the relative risks associated with raw vs. kibble diets. Keep in mind that raw
pet foods account for about 1% of the total pet food market, which makes
accurate risk comparisons difficult.
Q: Have cases of human illness been associated with raw
food diets?
A: To date, there have been no
reports of human illness associated with raw food diets. This doesn’t
necessarily mean that they don’t occur; it could mean that illnesses have
occurred but the link to the pet’s raw diet wasn’t made. In addition, if the
pet is eating the same food the humans are eating (but raw instead of cooked),
tracing the origin back to the pet’s raw food could be very difficult.
Keep in mind, too, that most cases of foodborne illness are never reported
because they are usually mild and untreated. However, if someone from a
high-risk group (very young, old, and/or immunocompromised) is exposed, the
resulting illness is more severe and could even be fatal.
Q: Have cases of human illness been associated with
commercially processed kibble diets?
A: Yes, there have been cases of
human salmonellosis associated with commercially prepared diets.
- From 2006-2008, there was a multistate outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype
Schwarzengrund infections in humans. A total of 79 cases from 21 states were
reported. The source of infection was identified as dry dog food produced at a
manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. This investigation was the first to
identify contaminated dry dog food as a source of human Salmonella
infections
- In spring 2012, an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis was traced to a
Diamond Foods production facility in Gaston, SC. A total of 49 individuals (47
individuals in 20 states and two individuals in Canada) were infected with the outbreak
strain. Seventeen brands representing >30,000 tons of dry dog and cat food
produced at the facility were recalled as a result of the outbreak.
There have also been human illnesses associated with “natural” animal
by-product pet treats, such as pig ears and dehydrated/dried beef and fish.
- In 1999, contaminated pig ear pet treats were confirmed as the source of an
outbreak of human S. Infantis in several provinces in Canada.19
- In 2002, contaminated pet treats imported from Texas were associated with
human S. Newport infections in Calgary, Alberta.20
- In 2004-2005, contact with Salmonella-contaminated pet
treats of beef and seafood origin resulted in nine culture-confirmed human
Salmonella Thompson infections in western Canada and the state of
Washington. This was the first outbreak associated with pet treats in the United
States.
Q: Why
haven’t raw foods been recalled due to Salmonella or other bacteria?
A: Bacteria are expected to be
present in raw meat, so the presence of Salmonella or other bacteria in
raw diets does not trigger the same regulatory process that applies to
commercially made canned or kibble pet foods.
That said, we are aware of a recall of raw food. In May 2011, Primal Pet
Foods
recalled their Feline Chicken & Salmon formula due to
contamination with Salmonella.
Q: Why
have processed diets been recalled due to Salmonella or other
bacteria?
A: With the exceptions of the
recalls associated with the 2006-2008 and 2012 outbreaks, all other
Salmonella-related recalls of commercially produced pet foods were
associated with the detection of Salmonella on routine surveillance
testing of products. In the majority of these recalls, no pet or human illnesses
were reported.
Unlike with raw pet foods, the detection of Salmonella or other
bacteria in a commercially processed pet food triggers a cascade of events at
the state and federal level that lead to a voluntary recall by the pet food
manufacturer. The pet food is considered adulterated and not fit for
distribution or sale.
In October 2011, the FDA issued a
Nationwide Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Pet Foods,
Pet Treats, and Supplements for Pets from Interstate Commerce in the United
States for Salmonella. The objectives of the assignment are to 1)
determine the prevalence of
Salmonella in samples collected from a
limited number of pet foods, pet treats, and supplements for pets; 2) determine
the serotype, genetic fingerprint, and antimicrobial susceptibilities of each
Salmonella found in samples collected from pet foods, pet treats, and
supplements for pets under this assignment; 3) ensure that
Salmonella-contaminated pet foods, pet treats, and supplements for pets
are removed from interstate commerce; and, 4) collect investigational samples
for research purposes and for providing surveillance information on microbes
other than
Salmonella in pet foods, pet treats, and supplements for
pets.
A review of surveillance testing of samples collected from pet foods
and pet treats demonstrated a significant reduction in Salmonella from
12.4% (2002) to 6.1% (2009). Salmonella prevalence in pet foods
declined from 13.0% (2002) to 9.8% (2009).21 These results certainly
indicate progress, but additional progress is desired to eliminate pathogens in
all pet food products.
Q: If
animals fed raw diets can shed Salmonella in their stool, why haven’t
there been reports of human illness associated with raw pet diets?
A: Knowing that these pets can shed
Salmonella in their stool, there’s no denying the risk of infection if
the food isn’t adequately treated to eliminate pathogens. Individual cases of
human illness are difficult to identify and trace back. Since salmonellosis is
typically a foodborne illness and often does not require medical attention,
physicians will most likely attribute the illness to the most recent foodborne
outbreak. Therefore, they may not think to inquire about exposure to raw pet
food or pets fed raw diets when initially investigating individual cases of
illness, and the connection is missed. Furthermore, reports of human illness
associated with anything, be it pet turtles or peanut butter, are only reported
if they occur as part of an outbreak so that government authorities can trace
the illness back to its source. With the exception of commercially produced raw
diets, there is not a single consistent product to trace the illness back to in
the event of an outbreak. Another compounding factor is that pet owners
feeding raw may be taking additional precautions when handling the raw food,
reducing their personal risk of illness (but that doesn’t reduce the risk to
others due to the shedding of bacteria in their pet’s stool or other
environmental contamination) .
It’s also possible that the pet owners have developed some degree of
immunity to infection with the bacteria; the potential for owners of raw-fed
pets to be carriers of Salmonella has not, to our knowledge, been
investigated.
Q: Are
there certain groups of people or pets that are more prone to the risks of
infection associated with any type of food?
A: Young children, elderly people,
and immunocompromised individuals (chemotherapy, immune disease, etc.) are at
higher risk of infection and illness if exposed to bacteria.
One of the important concerns that drove the development of this policy
is the concern that therapy animals fed raw diets and taken into hospitals,
nursing homes or other healthcare facilities could serve as sources of infection
to patients whose immune system may already be compromised by illness.
Pets that are more prone to risks of infection include those with cancer;
pets receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive therapies; very old or
very young pets; and those with immune diseases.
Q: Are
raw pet food diets subject to different regulations than commercially processed
kibble diets?
A: Raw pet foods are produced with
little to no regulatory oversight by the state or federal governments. The FDA
publishes
Guidance for Industry on the Manufacture and Labeling of Raw Meat
Foods for Companion and Captive Noncompanion Carnivores and Omnivores, but
the guidance is voluntary and not legally enforceable by the FDA.
This
guidance recommends that raw food producers adhere to many of the same
regulations which processed food manufacturers are legally required to follow.
We commend those raw food manufacturers who voluntarily adhere to these
guidelines and have put controls in place to ensure that their products are free
of pathogens. Commercially processed foods are subject to a number of state and
federal regulations, including the federal
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which charges the
FDA with ensuring that human and animal foods are safe and
properly labeled. For more information on the FDA’s regulation
of pet foods, visit their site. The FDA also incorporates the
Nutrition Labeling and Education Act in 1990, which regulates
the permission of health claims on human food, into its regulation of pet foods.
State regulatory offices also play a vital role in regulating
commercial pet food. The 2012 Diamond Foods-origin
recall originated when the Michigan Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development reported detecting Salmonella from an intact package of
Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice Formula for Adult Dogs, collected during regular
retail surveillance.
Q: Why
are you warning people of the risks of raw pet food diets, when there have been
confirmed cases of human illness from commercially processed kibble
diets?
A: This policy isn’t a comparison of
pet foods. Neither is it a condemnation of raw foods – it is a caution against
feeding raw foods that aren’t adequately treated to eliminate pathogens. It was
developed in response to a recognized risk associated with raw foods and the
scientific support that pets fed raw diets are at risk of becoming
Salmonella carriers and could potentially infect people, particularly
those that are most susceptible to infection (the very young, very old, and
immunocompromised).
Note that with this policy we aren’t encouraging commercial diets, we’re
encouraging “commercially prepared or home-cooked food” (as stated in the
policy). What’s important is that the food isn’t raw or undercooked and doesn’t
contain pathogens, Regardless of what you feed your pet, the diet should be free
of pathogens that can sicken you, your pet and your family. Just like you, we
also want pets’ diets to be nutritionally balanced. We support the FDA’s
efforts to ensure that pet foods and treats of all types are safe and healthy
for pets.
Please also be aware that we have made efforts to communicate the risks
associated with commercially produced dry food and treats. We have a
FAQ document about
Salmonella and dry pet foods and
treats, and our
AVMARecallWatch Twitter feed is dedicated to notifying
followers about pet food and product recalls.
Q: Are
there raw foods that would be acceptable under the AVMA policy?
A: The primary concern we have about
raw animal-source proteins is the bacterial contamination issue. Cooking,
pasteurization, irradiation or other methods that successfully eliminate
pathogens would render the food products safer and minimize the public health
risk and be acceptable.
Q: Is
the AVMA developing, or going to develop, additional policies that address the
health risks of pet foods in general?
A: AVMA policy is developed by
volunteer AVMA members serving on councils, committees or other entities.
Therefore, it is up to those groups to determine the need for and develop new
policies. The CPHRVM will discuss the possible development of a policy
addressing the public health risks associated with pet foods and treats.
The
AVMA,
CDC
and
FDA recommend precautions be taken when feeding any type of
pet food or treat.
Q: If
I choose to feed raw food to my pet, what precautions should I take to protect
my family?
A: First, be aware of the risks and
know that despite your best efforts to clean the surfaces and environment, your
pet’s stool could remain a potential source of infection. Always practice good
food hygiene and sanitation.
- If avoiding commercial foods is your goal, consider cooking the raw food
before feeding it to your pet.
- If purchasing commercial raw diets, select products that have been
adequately treated to eliminate pathogens.
- Do not purchase the product if the container is damaged.
- Keep the product frozen until ready to use, and promptly refrigerate or
discard any leftovers.
- Keep the raw meat intended for your pet(s) separate from that intended for
your family, to avoid any cross-contamination. Do not handle raw meat intended
for your pet in the same area(s) or use the same utensils or equipment used for
preparing food for your family.
- Never allow cooked foods to come into contact with raw meat unless they are
subsequently cooked at temperatures that will kill bacteria.
- Wash vegetables and fruit prior to feeding.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food.
- Regularly sanitize pet dishes, surfaces, cutting boards and utensils.
- Rigorously control insects and other pests that may be attracted to the raw
meat and could spread contamination.
Q: How would I know if my pet becomes infected with
Salmonella from its food?
A: There are many sources of
Salmonella. Because the organism can persist in the environment for
weeks, even after thorough cleaning, the exact source of your animal’s illness
(if it is the food) may be long gone. Animals with salmonellosis may show some
or all of the following signs:
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Excess salivation (in cats)
- Diarrhea (may contain blood or mucus)
Also be aware that pets may be infected with Salmonella but
may not appear to be sick. Salmonella bacteria can be shed in your
pet’s stool for 4 to 6 weeks, and possibly longer, after infection. If you
suspect your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian.
If your pet is infected with Salmonella and is shedding the
bacteria in their stool, it’s also possible for people to become infected by
contact with their infected pet’s fur, mouth, or feet – as well as anything that
can come in contact with your pet’s stool. You can find Salmonella
essentially anywhere the animal has been. Salmonella can survive for
weeks or even years given the right environmental conditions (temperature, pH,
humidity).
Q: How
would I know if my pet is a Salmonella carrier?
A: Salmonella is usually
detected by culturing your pet’s stool, but it can be difficult to detect
because they don’t consistently shed the bacteria in their stool. They
intermittently shed the bacteria, but are more likely to do so when stressed. It
has been widely reported that infected dogs can shed Salmonella in
their stool for 6 or more weeks.4 Several stool samples may be necessary to find
the bacteria.
Q: If
my pet is identified as a Salmonella carrier,
what do I do?
A: Consult with your veterinarian
regarding your pet’s health and the possible treatment of your pet. If it’s
confirmed that your pet is a Salmonella carrier, take extra precautions
to protect yourself and your family.
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Med 1975;27:226.
3. LeJune JT, Hancock DD. Public health
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commercially available pig ear treats and raw food diets: prevalence survey and
caning feeding trial (MSc. thesis). Guelph, Ontario: University of Guelph, 2004.
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the feeding of raw meat to dogs. Can Vet J 2009; 50: 637-643.
13. Stiver SL, Frazier KS, Mauel MJ, Styer
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al. Toxoplasma gondii in Brazilian domestic outpatient cats. Rev.
Inst. Med. trop. S. Paulo 1999; Available at
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