Zoonotic bacteria and parasites found in raw meat‐based diets for cats and dogs

Abstract

Feeding raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) to companion animals has become increasingly popular. Since these diets may be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, they may pose a risk to both animal and human health. The purpose of this study was to test for the presence of zoonotic bacterial and parasitic pathogens in Dutch commercial RMBDs. We analysed 35 commercial frozen RMBDs from eight different brands. serotype O157:H7 was isolated from eight products (23 per cent) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing was found in 28 products (80 per cent). was present in 19 products (54 per cent), other species in 15 products (43 per cent) and species in seven products (20 per cent). Concerning parasites, four products (11 per cent) contained and another four (11 per cent) In two products (6 per cent) was found. The results of this study demonstrate the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in frozen RMBDs that may be a possible source of bacterial infections in pet animals and if transmitted pose a risk for human beings. If non-frozen meat is fed, parasitic infections are also possible. Pet owners should therefore be informed about the risks associated with feeding their animals RMBDs.

The trend of raw meat‐based diets: risks to people and animals

“…As the study by van Bree and others shows, 14 RMBDs pose a hazard to public health as well as to animals. The study should be a stimulus for further epidemiological studies to produce additional evidence on the safety and risks related to RMBDs in European countries and beyond.…”

“…As dogs and cats infected with pathogenic bacteria may shed these pathogens via faeces, there is a risk of zoonotic transmission to people 17,18 . Van Bree and others 14 thus showed that the feeding of RMBDs poses a serious risk to animal and public health due to its microbial load.…”

“…Besides Toxoplasma , van Bree and others 14 also found Sarcocystis species that are dangerous to livestock. Again these were considered not to be infective as the meat was frozen.…”

“…The study by van Bree and others 14 provides a valuable contribution to fill this gap. They looked at 35 Dutch commercial RMBDs for the presence of four zoonotic bacteria and two parasite species.…”

Adverse events to feeding practises

“…The van Bree paper 1 that Davies refers to does not perform a risk analysis; therefore, it does not, as he suggests, raise public awareness about the potential risks of raw food feeding. It will stoke fears counter to the experience of hundreds of vets and millions of dog owners around the world who are successfully and responsibly feeding/being fed raw food.…”