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

Contents of Polyamines and Biogenic Amines in Canned Pet (Dogs and Cats) Food on the Austrian Market

Biogenic amines accumulate in proteinaceous raw materials used for pet food production. In canned, sterilized food, amine levels of the ingredients are preserved and may both be indicative of hygiene deficiencies in the ingredients as well as for potential adverse effects to the animals feeding on it. We determined the contents of biogenic amines and polyamines (dansyl derivatives, high performance liquid chromatography) in a variety of canned food for dogs (n = 72) and cats (n = 114) on the Austrian market and compared the results with common quality indices. Contents of putrescine, cadaverine, and tyramine were below the limit of detection in >70% of samples (maximum values: 21.5, 98.4 and 32.5 mg/kg wet weight, respectively). Median contents of histamine, spermidine, and spermine were 14.5, 12.7, and 29.4 mg/kg, and maximum values were 61.6, 28.2, and 53.6 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The sum of (putrescine + cadaverine + histamine + tyramine) was >50 mg/kg in 22.6% of samples. The biogenic amine index exceeded “1” in 26.7% of samples. Whilst cat food contained significantly higher amounts of tyramine, dog food contained significantly higher amounts of histamine and spermine. In canned cat food, the ingredient “fish” was identified as a statistically significant risk factor for a biogenic amine index > 1 (relative risk = 3.0 (95% confidence interval: 1.8–5.5)) and for (putrescine + cadaverine + histamine + tyramine) exceeding 50 mg/kg (relative risk = 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.2–4.6)), due to higher contents of cadaverine in food samples containing fish. While all samples met the limits suggested in pet food production, we could demonstrate that the inclusion of fish in the formulation bears a significant risk for higher cadaverine contents.

The effects of raw-meat diets on the gastrointestinal microbiota of the cat and dog: a review

The aim of this review is to summarise the available literature on the effects of consuming raw, red meat diets on the gastrointestinal microbiome of the cat and dog. In recent years, feeding raw meat diets to cats and dogs has increased, in part associated with trends in human nutrition for "natural" and "species-appropriate" diets. These diets range from home-prepared unprocessed, nutritionally incomplete diets to complete and balanced diets with sterilisation steps in their manufacturing process. Feeding some formats of raw meat diets has been associated with nutritional inadequacies and zoonotic transfer of pathogens. The feeding of raw meat diets has been shown to alter the gastrointestinal microbiome of the cat and dog, increasing the relative abundances of bacteria associated with protein and fat utilisation, including members of the genera Fusobacterium and Clostridium. While in humans, these genera are more commonly known for members that are associated with disease, they are a diverse group that also contains harmless commensals that are a normal component of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Moreover, members of these genera are known to produce butyrate from protein and amino acid fermentation and contribute to intestinal homeostasis in raw meat-fed dogs and cats. Currently, only a limited number of studies have examined the impacts of raw meat diets on the cat and dog microbiota, with many of these being descriptive. Additional controlled and systems-based studies are required to functionally characterise the roles of key microbial groups in the metabolism of raw meat diets, and determine their impacts on the health and nutrition of the host.

Evaluation of nutritional value and microbiological safety in commercial dog food

In addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 102 to above 3.0 × 107 cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.

Knowledge and preventive practices of livestock farmers on infectious causes of reproductive disorders in dairy cows in the Kembata Tambaro zone, southern Ethiopia

Several studies in Ethiopia have shown a high prevalence of reproductive disorders (RDs) in dairy cows. However, there is a lack of information about the levels of knowledge among farming community about the causes associated with RDs. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was administered to 278 livestock farmers (LFs) in the Kembata Tambaro zone to evaluate knowledge and preventive practices on infectious causes of RDs in dairy cows. The results show that almost all farmers had heard about RDs, but more than half did not realize that reproductive system infections (RSIs) could cause RDs in dairy cows. A significant number of participants were not aware of the spread of RSIs between animals through sharing of breeding bulls, ingestion of urine contaminated feed, unhygienic management, sharing of equipment between milking cows, and interactions with contagious animals. The majority of LFs reported that they frequently consulted with traditional healers regarding the treatment of RDs, but very few looked for veterinary assistance. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that level of education and living areas were factors significantly and positively associated with knowledge about RSIs. Likewise, occupation, level of education and being knowledgeable about RSIs were significantly associated with good preventive practices. Veterinarians and responsible authorities should take these results into consideration to educate farmers on preventing losses attributed to RSIs.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma evansi in dogs from India and Southeast Asia

Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of surra, is a hemoflagellate protozoan mechanically transmitted by hematophagous flies, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. This protozoan affects several mammalian hosts, including dogs, which are highly susceptible to the infection. To investigate the occurrence of T. evansi in dogs, a total of 672 DNA samples from India (n = 228), Indonesia (n = 57), Malaysia (n = 45), the Philippines (n = 103), Thailand (n = 120), and Vietnam (n = 119) were screened by using species-specific conventional PCR. Of the tested dogs, 10 (1.5%) scored positive to T. evansi. In particular, positive samples were detected in canine blood samples collected from India (n = 4; 1.8%), Indonesia (n = 4; 7%), and Malaysia (n = 2; 4.4%). All tested samples from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam were negative. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a high variation (i.e. from 0.4% to 6.2%) among the RoTat 1.2 variant surface glycoprotein (vsg) gene. Although the number of sequences included in this analysis is relatively small, this nucleotide variation may indicate the divergence of T. evansi RoTat 1.2 vsg gene among different strains. The high incidence of T. evansi previously reported in cattle and buffaloes in India and Southeast Asia suggests that these animals are the main source of infection to dogs.

High Occurrence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Raw Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals-A Public Health Issue

Feeding pets raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) is becoming increasingly popular but comes with a risk of pathogenic bacteria, including Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In humans, STEC may cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The aim of this study was to evaluate commercially available RMBDs with regard to the occurrence of STEC. Of 59 RMBD samples, 59% tested positive by real-time PCR for the presence of Shiga toxin genes stx1 and/or stx2. STECs were recovered from 41% of the 59 samples, and strains were subjected to serotyping and virulence gene profiling, using whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based methods. Of 28 strains, 29% carried stx2a or stx2d, which are linked to STEC with high pathogenic potential. Twenty different serotypes were identified, including STEC O26:H11, O91:H10, O91:H14, O145:H28, O146:H21, and O146:H28, which are within the most common non-O157 serogroups associated with human STEC-related illnesses worldwide. Considering the low infectious dose and potential severity of disease manifestations, the high occurrence of STEC in RMBDs poses an important health risk for persons handling raw pet food and persons with close contact to pets fed on RMBDs, and is of concern in the field of public health.

2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

The guidelines discuss the components of a systematic approach to nutritional management of dogs and cats. A nutritional assessment, including a body condition score and muscle condition score, is a screening evaluation that should ideally be performed at every examination. Individualized nutritional recommendations, based on the nutritional assessment, should be designed to achieve and maintain an appropriate body weight and meet nutritional requirements. Communicating nutritional recommendations to clients is a challenging aspect of nutritional management because pet owners may interpret the practice team's guidance as advocacy for a particular pet food brand or a judgment of the client's ability to properly care for the pet or of the owner's own nutritional status. The guidelines discuss approaches for effective, nonjudgmental communication of dietary recommendations to clients and strategies to increase acceptance of and adherence to veterinary nutrition recommendations. Other pet nutrition topics of current interest include recommendations for particular pet life stages, breeds, and disease conditions; risk factors for nutritional deficiencies and obesity; and considerations for home-prepared diets.

Dogs are final hosts of Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae): First report of this species in Hungary and its region - Short communication

In this study, faecal samples of four American Staffordshire terrier dogs (used for illegal fighting) were analysed by DNA extraction, molecular-phylogenetic and parasitological methods, in order to examine the occurrence of protozoan, apicomplexan parasites. In one sample, the DNA of Sarcocystis morae was shown to be present. This species was identified based on 100% identity with already reported sequences of S. morae from cervids in Lithuania and Spain. The result was also confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The sporocysts of the canine S. morae isolate measured 14.95 × 9.75 μm on average. This is the first molecular evidence in support of the final host role of domestic dogs in the life cycle of S. morae. The most likely source of the infection was raw meat given to the examined dog to increase its physical achievement. In conclusion, under similar circumstances dogs may participate in the life cycle of S. morae in a 'natural way', shedding sporocysts/oocysts when used for hunting or taken to walks in forested areas.

Clinical health markers in dogs fed raw meat-based or commercial extruded kibble diets

The interest and demand for healthy and less processed foods for human consumption have been mirrored in the pet industry, with an explosion of alternative diets available. Several nontraditional feeding methodologies including raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are believed by many dog owners to be superior to traditional extruded commercial dog foods. Despite the strong opinions, limited data are available comparing objective health measures among healthy dogs fed using different methods of diet preparation. Therefore, we compared health markers in client-owned dogs fed an RMBD to markers in dogs fed a high-quality extruded kibble. We hypothesized that healthy adult dogs fed RMBD would show differences in biochemical and hematological parameters and improved clinical health scores (e.g., dental, external ear canal, and integument scores) compared with dogs fed a kibble diet. A cross-sectional observational study was performed comparing hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis management history, and clinical health scores in healthy client-owned dogs reported as fed RMBD (n = 28) or kibble (n = 27) for >1 yr. Dental, external ear canal, and integument health scores were assigned by a single veterinary evaluator blinded to feed group, using a scale where 0 was normal and 3 was most severely affected. Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) was calculated to assess the strength and direction of the relationship of biochemical outcomes with age and body condition score (BCS), while analysis of variance was used to determine if biochemical analytes differed by breed or gender. Biochemical data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models, adjusting for the covariates gender, breed, age, and BCS. A composite clinical health score, (CCS) = 9 - (dental score + otitis score + integument score), was compared between feeding groups using Mann-Whitney test. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.001) and globulin concentration (P < 0.001) were lower, while lymphocyte count (P < 0.05) was higher in dogs fed RMBD. No differences were found in urinalysis between diet groups. Dogs fed RMBD showed a slight improvement in CCS compared with kibble-fed dogs (CCS: P = 0.03). Owner management significantly differed with a greater likelihood of management interventions including dietary supplements and sporting activities in the RMBD group. Further work is needed to specifically determine the impact of diet processing and nutrient content on canine health.

A cluster of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 highlights raw pet food as an emerging potential source of infection in humans

In August 2017, a cluster of four persons infected with genetically related strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 was identified. These strains possessed the Shiga toxin (stx) subtype stx2a, a toxin type known to be associated with severe clinical outcome. One person died after developing haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Interviews with cases revealed that three of the cases had been exposed to dogs fed on a raw meat-based diet (RMBD), specifically tripe. In two cases, the tripe had been purchased from the same supplier. Sampling and microbiological screening of raw pet food was undertaken and indicated the presence of STEC in the products. STEC was isolated from one sample of raw tripe but was different from the strain causing illness in humans. Nevertheless, the detection of STEC in the tripe provided evidence that raw pet food was a potential source of human STEC infection during this outbreak. This adds to the evidence of raw pet food as a risk factor for zoonotic transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens, which is widely accepted for Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter spp. Feeding RMBD to companion animals has recently increased in popularity due to the belief that they provide health benefits to animals. Although still rare, an increase in STEC cases reporting exposure to RMBDs was detected in 2017. There has also been an increased frequency of raw pet food incidents in 2017, suggesting an increasing trend in potential risk to humans from raw pet food. Recommendations to reduce the risk of infection included improved awareness of risk and promotion of good hygiene practices among the public when handling raw pet food.

The guidelines and policies that influence the conduct of Animal-Assisted Activities in Residential Aged-Care Facilities: A systematic integrative review

INTRODUCTION

For some time, Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) have incorporated animals into their environment to relieve loneliness and isolation for aged-care residents. However, research examining this practice is not as developed. This paper aims to identify the policies and practices influencing the conduct of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) in RACF focusing on the Australian context.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed and gray literature were searched using an array of databases including CINAHL; Embase; Medline; Pubmed; Scopus and Web of Science; Google Scholar; PROSPERO, Proquest Dissertations; Theses Global; Animal Studies Repository; Medicine and Health Science Commons; Open Gray and a targeted Google search for relevant Australian Guidelines. Database searches had no time limits. Nine documents published between 1990 and 2018 were identified, appraised and subsequently included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Facilities have not developed or implemented core policies; instead, there appears to be a reliance on AAA providers ensuring resident safety. Animal welfare is also identified as an emerging area, warranting further action and policy development.

CONCLUSION

The requirement for effective AAA policies for RACF staff continues to be an area of need. Over the last 30 years, the development of policies guiding the provision of animal activities within RACFs has been inconsistent in both content and application, including the implementation of basic hygiene policies. If the international situation is indicative, further work is needed in Australia to develop and enforce infection control, risk management and animal welfare policies in RACF and AAA organizations.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration # CRD42020150440.

Exploring Food Safety Perceptions and Self-Reported Practices of Pet Owners Providing Raw Meat-Based Diets to Pets

ABSTRACT

The growing popularity of raw meat-based diets for pets is accompanied by increasing concern regarding possible health implications of this practice for pet owners through the storage and preparation of raw meat. This study aimed to explore pet owners' knowledge and perceptions about the safety of raw meat-based feeding and to determine self-reported food safety practices during raw meat-based pet food preparation. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms and completed by pet owners practicing raw meat-based feeding (n = 174). Almost all participants (95%) reported confidence that their pets' raw meat-based food is safe. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) reported that they had researched food safety information regarding raw meat-based feeding, yet only 8% asked a veterinarian for food safety advice. Respondents were aware of pathogens that may be present in raw meat-based diets and of food safety practices; however, they did not report consistent implementation of appropriate food safety practices. Malpractices, such as rinsing of raw meat (27%) and absence of segregation of utensils and kitchen surfaces (52%), were reported. The risk to pet owners of foodborne illness associated with raw meat-based feeding was perceived to be low by 89% of pet owners. Participants perceived low susceptibility to foodborne illness but high self-efficacy, which may be an indication of optimistic bias. This study has identified a need to increase pet owners' awareness of the possible risks to human health associated with raw meat-based feeding of animals. The provision of comprehensive food safety information, intended to target the perceptions of pet owners identified in this study, is needed to improve pet owners' food safety practices and thus to reduce the potential food safety risks associated with raw meat preparation and storage in the domestic environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

Insights into Commercial Pet Foods

Veterinarians are faced with the challenge of understanding and discussing the wide array of commercial pet foods with their clients. To promote these discussions, a pet food processing categorization system is applied to define familiar heat processed dry and can pet foods as ultra-processed commercial diets (UPCD) and other less processed diets as minimally processed commercial diets. A review of the FDA pet food recalls on commercial diets are used to discuss well-known health risks, such as nutritional imbalances, bacterial pathogens, aflatoxin, and toxic contaminations. A less-known concern of advanced glycation end products found in UPCDs is presented.

Effects of "fresh mechanically deboned meat" inclusion on nutritional value, palatability, shelf-life microbiological risk and digestibility in dry dog food

Fresh mechanically deboned meat (MDM) is usually claimed as high-quality ingredient on dry pet food recipes and this aspect may positively influence consumer choice. It is important to determine the scientifically sustainability of this claim and to assess the microbiological safety of MDM inclusion in dry pet food. Objectives were: 1) to evaluate the effect of inclusion of MDM in dry dog food on fatty acid profile and in vivo and in vitro digestibility, proposing a new system (Daisy^II Incubator) to measure the in vitro digestibility for dogs; 2) to compare palatability of dry dog food containing MDM with dry dog food in which meat by-products (MBP) are the only animal protein sources; 3) to determine, whether or not, the inclusion of that ingredient changes the microbiology and the storage quality. Results indicated that MDM product was characterized by significant higher nutritional value in terms of fatty acids profile, in vitro digestibility (HV-IVD method) and lower palatability than the MBP product. Microbiological risk assessment showed no microbiological hazards for either product. After 6-months storage, the total mesophilic bacterial count ranged between 1.77 and 2.09 log CFU/g feed, while polyamine values were higher in the MDM (0.37 g/kg) than in the MBP (0.27 g/kg). The Daisy^II Incubator was found to be a valid instrument for studying in vitro digestibility also for dogs, providing data simply, quickly, with less variability and costs than in vivo trials. In conclusion, MDM inclusion in dry dog food is microbiologically safe and it can improve its nutritional quality, at the expense of a reduced palatability. The higher polyamine levels fount in MDM-enriched petfood after 6-months storage, however, may represent a possible hazard, and further studies are still warranted.

2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines

The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension of the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published in 2010. The guidelines are published simultaneously in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211-233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (volume 57, issue 2, pages 51-72, DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the cat's lifespan into a five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior) as well as an end-of-life stage, instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their cat's maturation and aging process, and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, individualized, lifelong feline healthcare strategy. The guidelines include a comprehensive table on the components of a feline wellness visit that provides a framework for systematically implementing an individualized life stage approach to feline healthcare. Included are recommendations for managing the most critical health-related factors in relation to a cat's life stage. These recommendations are further explained in the following categories: behavior and environmental needs; elimination; life stage nutrition and weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses and human safety; and recommended diagnostics based on life stage. A discussion on overcoming barriers to veterinary visits by cat owners offers practical advice on one of the most challenging aspects of delivering regular feline healthcare.

Rapid Screening for Salmonella in Raw Pet Food by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

ABSTRACT

Raw pet food, composed of raw meat and vegetables, has increased in popularity in recent years. Multiple surveys and frequent recalls indicate that this commodity has a high risk of contamination with Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens. Improved screening methods are needed to meet the growing demand for testing. This matrix verification study aimed to apply a Salmonella loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, recently completed multilaboratory validation in dry dog food, in several raw pet food matrices, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s method validation guidelines. Five types of raw pet food, consisting of freeze-dried beef and chicken treats and frozen beef, pork, and turkey complete foods, were evaluated. For each matrix, two sets of ten 25-g test portions (seven inoculated with ≤30 cells of Salmonella Typhimurium and three uninoculated controls) were examined. One set was preenriched in buffered peptone water and the other one was preenriched in lactose broth, which was followed by LAMP screening using two isothermal master mixes (ISO-001 and ISO-004). All results were confirmed by culture as specified in the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM). The LAMP method accurately detected Salmonella in all inoculated test portions of the five raw pet food samples, regardless of the preenrichment broth used. Positive results could be obtained within 4 min of the LAMP run using the ISO-004 master mix. All uninoculated controls tested negative using LAMP or BAM. In addition, one turkey-based complete pet food sample was found to be already contaminated with three Salmonella serovars harboring multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. The Salmonella LAMP method offers a rapid, reliable, and robust tool for routine screening of Salmonella in raw pet food, which will help better ensure product safety and protect public health.

HIGHLIGHTS

Talking About Dog and Cat Nutrition with Clients

Veterinary health care teams understand that acceptance of, and adherence to, dietary recommendations by clients depends on effective, continuous communication. Despite decades of available research and training, and the availability of numerous balanced commercial, balanced homemade, and veterinary therapeutic diets, our collective ability across the profession to consistently help clients change behaviors and feeding practices to improve patient health remains difficult. Based on the long-standing, evidence-based approach of motivational interviewing, a paradigm shift is suggested for veterinary health care teams to empower clients to make their own arguments for change and take positive action for the health of their pet.

Microbiological Hazards in Dry Dog Chews and Feeds

Nowadays, dogs are usually equally treated with other family members. Due to the growing caregivers' awareness, the pet foods industry is changing dynamically. Pet foods are manufactured with a myriad of ingredients. Few authors of scientific papers deal with the topic of foods products' safety for pet animals, assessed from the perspective of their caregivers. Despite the many methods of producing foods of the highest quality, there are still cases of contamination of pet foods and treats. In the case of dried chews for dogs, bacteria of the genus Salmonella are the most common risk. In the case of both dry and wet foods, in addition to many species of bacteria, we often deal with mold fungi and their metabolites, mycotoxins. This article presents selected microbiological risks in dog foods and treats, and analyzes the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) system (2017-2020) for pathogenic microorganisms in dried dog chews, treats and foods. In this period, pet food-related notifications were registered, which were categorized into different types. Analyzing the RASFF notifications over the period, it has been shown that there are still cases of bacterial contamination of dog foods and treats, while in terms of the overall mycotoxin content, these products may appear safe.

2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines

The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension of the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published in 2010. The guidelines are published simultaneously in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211-233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (volume 57, issue 2, pages 51-72, DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the cat's lifespan into a five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior) as well as an end-of-life stage, instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their cat's maturation and aging process, and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, individualized, lifelong feline healthcare strategy. The guidelines include a comprehensive table on the components of a feline wellness visit that provides a framework for systematically implementing an individualized life stage approach to feline healthcare. Included are recommendations for managing the most critical health-related factors in relation to a cat's life stage. These recommendations are further explained in the following categories: behavior and environmental needs; elimination; life stage nutrition and weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses and human safety; and recommended diagnostics based on life stage. A discussion on overcoming barriers to veterinary visits by cat owners offers practical advice on one of the most challenging aspects of delivering regular feline healthcare.

Perceptions of dog owners towards canine gastrointestinal parasitism and associated human health risk in Southeast Queensland

Canine companion animals can carry a number of zoonotic parasites which can adversely impact both human and animal health. Previous studies in Australia indicated that while parasitic infections in dogs are still common and there is variability in the awareness and perception of zoonotic risks among pet owners, the likely contribution of sociodemographic factors to the variation in awareness and perception needs to be further explored. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between dog owners' knowledge and beliefs about dog parasites and their sociodemographic characteristics. In this study, we surveyed a total of 281 dog owners in SE Queensland between April 2019 to March 2020 and the relationship between dog owners' perception of gastrointestinal parasite infection was assessed using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model, social cognitive framework for health protection. The model looked into the role of dog owners' demography on their perceived severity and susceptibility to zoonotic canine parasites and their likelihood of performing actions associated with worm control of their pets. Our results indicate that owners perceptions about parasitic disease severity in their pets was 26% higher in female dog owners compared to males, in respondents owning dogs over 10 years (27% higher than those owning a dog <3 years) and those owners that regularly deworm their pets and report faeces disposal. Our study indicates that the perceptions of pet owners towards zoonotic canine parasites varies demographically and owner education is important to prevent infection among dogs and control the zoonotic transmission to owners and the community. Finally, there was evidence that increased frequency of visits to veterinary clinics can increase the likelihood of owners performing worm treatment, proper faecal disposal, and cooking meat before feeding it to dogs.

A Survey among Dog and Cat Owners on Pet Food Storage and Preservation in the Households

BACKGROUND

Pet food storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the nutritional and sensory properties of purchased products over time.

METHODS

An online survey was developed to collect data regarding owners' storage habits for both commercial and home-made diets.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 1545 dog owners and 676 cat owners. Pet and owner age played roles in the choice of the type of diet (commercial vs. home-cooked vs. raw meat-based) adopted. Kibble feeders (75.7%) usually bought one (50.1%) or two (24.6%) packages at a time, and most pets (64.4%) took a minimum four weeks to consume an entire bag. Almost half of the owners (43.5%) used a container to store pet food (plastic bins for 79.5%). Pet food was commonly stored in the kitchen (45.1%) and not exposed to direct light (94.5%); 23.6% of the kibble feeders said it might be exposed to high temperatures. Most commercial pet food feeders (67.3%) considered preservatives a potential health risk for pets. Among homemade diet feeders, 38.6% stored fish oil at room temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

Pet owners should be educated in proper food storage management when receiving feeding instructions from veterinarians. More comprehensive information on the nature and importance of additives in pet food should be promoted by manufacturers.

A Pilot Study on the Contamination of Assistance Dogs' Paws and Their Users' Shoe Soles in Relation to Admittance to Hospitals and (In)Visible Disability

(1) Background: People with disabilities may benefit from an assistance dog (AD). Despite regulations that prohibit the denial of ADs to public places, this still occurs on a regular basis. The main argument for denial of access is that dogs compromise hygiene with their presence, which could cause a health hazard. Meanwhile, people are allowed to walk into and out of public places freely. (2) Objective: As a pilot study, to investigate the number of Enterobacteriaceae and the presence of Clostridium difficile bacteria on the paws of ADs and pet dogs (PDs) as well as the shoe soles of their users and owners. With the results, an assessment can be made as to whether measures are required to reduce environmental contamination (e.g., in hospitals). (3) Methods: In total, 25 ADs, 25 PDs, and their 50 users/owners participated in the study. Each participant walked their dog for 15-30 min prior to the sampling of the front paws. Each PD owner or AD user filled out a general questionnaire about the care of their dogs, and AD users were asked to fill out an additional questionnaire on their experiences regarding the admittance of their ADs to public places (in particular, hospitals). Dutch hospitals were questioned on their protocols regarding the admittance of ADs and their visitor numbers, including the percentage of AD users, to put these numbers into perspective. (4) Results: Dog paws were more often negative for Enterobacteriaceae compared to shoe soles (72% and 42%, respectively) and also had significantly lower bacterial counts (mean of 3.54log10 and 5.03log10 colony-forming units (CFUs), respectively; p < 0.05). This was most distinct in the comparison between PDs and their owners (3.75log10 and 5.25log10 CFUs; p < 0.05); the numbers were similar between ADs and their users (3.09log10 and 4.58log10 CFUs; p = 0.2). C. difficile was found on one (4%) AD user's shoe soles. Moreover, 81% of AD users had been denied access with their current AD once or several times, the main reason being hygiene. The results of the visibly and invisibly disabled were significantly different. The number of AD users as opposed to the total number of hospital visitors was 0.03% in one hospital and is estimated to be 0.02% in the Netherlands. (5) Conclusions: The general hygiene of dogs' paws is far better than that of shoe soles, mostly demonstrated by the better general hygiene of PD paws compared with their owners' shoe soles; ADs and their users had comparable levels of general hygiene. In addition, the number of AD users amongst the total number of hospital visitors in the Netherlands is very limited. Thus, hygiene measures to reduce any contamination due to dog paws do not seem necessary.

Insights into dog owner perspectives on risks, benefits, and nutritional value of raw diets compared to commercial cooked diets

Background

The practice of feeding a raw meat-based diet (RMBD) to dogs is a topic of increasing interest to owners and veterinary professionals alike. Despite the research around the practice, particularly about the risk of nutritional imbalances and microbial contamination, an increasing number of dog owners are adopting a raw diet for their dogs. This study expands the research into owner motivations for feeding RMBDs and cooked diets and asks them their opinions about risk and nutritional value.

Methods

An anonymized, online, internationally accessible questionnaire was developed to ascertain owner perspectives on the risks, benefits, and nutritional value of commercially prepared and homemade RMBDs as compared with commercially prepared cooked diets (CCDs).

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 419 dog owners of diverse backgrounds across the world. Of the participants, 25.3% fed RMBDs. Just over 70.0% of all participants had spoken to their veterinarian about their dog’s nutrition. Owners who fed RMBDs ranked their veterinarian’s knowledge lower and their own knowledge of canine nutrition higher than owners who fed CCDs. They rated commercial and homemade RMBDs as highly nutritious 83.5% and 73.6% of the time, respectively, while only 12.5% rated CCDs as highly nutritious. Owners who fed CCDs ranked RMBDs as highly nutritious less often, but also only ranked CCDs as highly nutritious 52.7% of the time. All participants agreed that CCDs were low risk to human health. Owners who fed RMBDs ranked raw diets as highly risky to human or dog health under 20.0% of the time but deemed CCDs risky to animal health over 65.0% of the time. When asked about benefits of raw diets, the most repeated words offered by owners were “health”, “better”, “coat” and “teeth”. The most repeated risks presented were “bacteria”, “nutrition”, “risk” and “Salmonella”. Owners who fed RMBDs tended to use vague terminology like “health” and “better” when asked why they fed a raw diet. Owners who did not feed RMBDs used more specific terminology like “expensive”, “time” and “risk” when asked why they did not feed a raw diet. Overall, the two groups differed in their perceptions around RMBD and CCD feeding, which highlights the need for a better line of communication and education between veterinarians and owners.

Catching a glimpse of the bacterial gut community of companion animals: a canine and feline perspective

Dogs and cats have gained a special position in human society by becoming our principal companion animals. In this context, efforts to ensure their health and welfare have increased exponentially, with in recent times a growing interest in assessing the impact of the gut microbiota on canine and feline health. Recent technological advances have generated new tools to not only examine the intestinal microbial composition of dogs and cats, but also to scrutinize the genetic repertoire and associated metabolic functions of this microbial community. The application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to canine and feline faecal samples revealed similarities in their bacterial composition, with Fusobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as the most prevalent and abundant phyla, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Although key bacterial members were consistently present in their gut microbiota, the taxonomic composition and the metabolic repertoire of the intestinal microbial population may be influenced by several factors, including diet, age and anthropogenic aspects, as well as intestinal dysbiosis. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multitude of factors which play a role in the modulation of the canine and feline gut microbiota and that of their human owners with whom they share the same environment.

Contamination factors associated with surviving bacteria in Thai commercial raw pet foods

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.

Dogs as a source of Salmonella spp. in apparently healthy dogs in the Valencia Region. Could it be related with intestinal lactic acid bacteria?

BACKGROUND

Although salmonellosis is considered one of the most important food-borne zoonotic diseases in Europe, close contact between dogs and their owners can also be a potential source of Salmonella spp. for humans. This study assessed the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in apparently healthy dogs in the Valencian Region, eastern Spain. Moreover, a macroscopic comparison of lactic acid bacteria in both Salmonella-positive and Salmonella-negative dogs was carried out.

RESULTS

Of a total of 325 dogs sampled, 6 (1.85%) were positive for Salmonella spp. with 3 different serotypes, Havana (3), Mikawasima (2) and monophasic Typhimurium (1). All isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested except monophasic S. Typhimurium, which was resistant to ampicillin. Finally, macroscopic results revealed that lactic acid bacteria had higher heterogeneity in the Salmonella-negative dogs than in the Salmonella-positive dogs. Although the results in our study showed a low prevalence of Salmonella spp., raw food has been suggested as a risk factor for bacteria in dog faeces.

CONCLUSIONS

Public awareness campaigns on good hygiene practices, especially after handling canine faeces or raw food, are necessary. Furthermore, to reduce the potential transmission of bacteria, dogs should be fed food that has been properly cooked, as raw or undercooked food can be a source of zoonotic pathogens. Moreover, further studies must be performed to determine the relationship between lactic acid bacteria and Salmonella spp. in dog faeces.

An observational study of pet feeding practices and how these have changed between 2008 and 2018

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.

Best Practice Standards in Animal-Assisted Interventions: How the LEAD Risk Assessment Tool Can Help

Simple Summary

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in educational and other settings have steadily increased over the last fifty years. While scientific research on the effects of AAI is still growing, the application in the field has overtaken the science and seen a steep rise in many countries and settings in recent years. Surprisingly, while different organisations provide a range of guidelines, no unified, standardised guidelines exist, nor do easy-to-use risk assessment tools for AAI providers and users exist. With differences in practical application and different policies used by AAI providers worldwide, this means that in practice AAI takes place in an unregulated manner without a gold standard of best practice. To ensure safe AAI worldwide, we provide urgently needed unified guidelines on best practice in relation to risk assessment, safeguarding and animal welfare priorities. We also provide the first comprehensive risk assessment and animal welfare tools to achieve consistent welfare and safety standards for best practice across educational and other settings around the world.

Abstract

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in educational and other settings have steadily increased over the last fifty years and a steep rise in AAI has been observed in many countries and settings in recent years. Surprisingly, while different providers and organisations provide a range of guidelines, no unified, standardised guidelines or risk assessment tools for AAI exist. This means that in practice AAI takes place in an unregulated manner and without a gold standard of best practice. In addition, knowledge of which interventions are effective is still scarce and the mechanisms of successful interventions are not yet fully understood. This is partly due to AAI being a relatively new research field and standards of research and practice have often lacked rigour in the past. Furthermore, knowledge and experience of providers undertaking interventions varies greatly as there is no standardised training either. We address the striking lack of standardised guidelines and procedures. In all AAI, high importance should be placed on safety and welfare of all involved. Children and other AAI participants, staff and animals should be given equal consideration when assessing risks and welfare needs. To ensure safe AAI worldwide, we provide urgently needed guidelines on best practice in relation to risk assessment, safeguarding and animal welfare priorities. The guidelines were developed for a large-scale longitudinal, randomised controlled trial AAI project and are relevant to AAIs within educational and other settings. We also provide the first set of comprehensive risk assessment and animal welfare tools to achieve consistent welfare and safety standards for best practice across educational and other settings around the world.

Cystic echinococcosis in the endemic island of Sardinia (Italy): has something changed?

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease of livestock and humans caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) species complex and occurs especially in areas where sheep breeding is widespread. This survey evaluates, after more than a decade since the last epidemiological survey, the current situation and trend of CE in sheep of the highly endemic island of Sardinia (Italy). From 2012 to 2018, out of a total of 1416 sheep, 65.3% were found positive for CE. Cyst fertility has increased slightly from 10.3% in 2006 (Scala et al. 2006) to 11.7% in the present survey (χ2 = 1.07; P = 0.30018) with a peak of 14.0% in the province of Sassari. Overall, 6815 hydatids were found and classified as sterile (26.2%), fertile (14.4%), caseous (5.3%), or calcified (54.1%) based on their morphology. All isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (former G1/G3, strains). Results shown as the implementation of new European Council Regulations and in particular of 21/2004 that established a system for the individual identification and tracking of sheep could be a step forward towards a better control of animal movement, preventing illegal slaughtering on the island as well as in other countries experiencing similar problems. Even if at first sight the general situation of Sardinia regarding CE seems a little better compared with the past, our findings indicate that in some Provinces the epidemiological situation is not improved since 2006.

Evaluating the presence of human pathogens in commercially frozen, biologically appropriate raw pet food sold in Italy

BACKGROUND

Biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet is becoming more and more popular among pet owners in Europe. However, there are documented microbiological risks associated with raw feeding, and this study aimed to determine the presence of human pathogens in commercially frozen BARF products sold in Italy.

METHODS

Salmonella species, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter species were identified. The general microbiological quality of BARF products and hygiene were also evaluated. Sample size was limited and therefore the study may not be representative of a larger sample.

RESULTS

None of the tested samples showed total bacterial count (TBC) higher than the limit set to consider a sample unacceptable. However, 14 out of 21 samples showed TBC higher than the limit set to consider a sample marginally acceptable. A high percentage of samples were contaminated by the aforementioned pathogens, highlighting the need for pet owners to be aware of the risks of this feeding strategy both to themselves and to their pets.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that BARF diet meals can be prepared at home using the hands, as well as tools and spaces that could be shared, guidelines on safer handling of these pet food products should be recommended by veterinarians and nutritionists.

Profiling Italian cat and dog owners' perceptions of pet food quality traits

BACKGROUND

Over recent years, pet owners have started to demonstrate increased sensitivity toward their companion animals, which includes an increase in the attention paid towards their nutrition, seen as a way of safeguarding their pets' welfare. The aim of this study was to identify how pet food quality traits are perceived as being the most important by dog and cat owners. To this end, a survey of dog and cat owners was conducted by means of a questionnaire distributed in pet stores and trade fairs throughout Italy.

RESULTS

A total of 935 surveys were collected; 61.8% of which were compiled by female pet owners. The respondents were relatively homogeneously distributed between cat (30.8%), dog (39.4%), and cat and dog (29.8%) owners. A quarter of the owners (25.5%) reported to have asked their veterinarian for advice on which pet food to buy, and almost a third (30.4%) trusted the advice posted on the web sites of well-known brands. "Contains natural ingredients" was the characteristic that obtained the highest mean score (4.3 out of 5). Elderly owners (> 65 years) placed most importance on whether a product had a high price, and least on feed appearance, animal satisfaction, and stool quality. Young owners (< 35y) paid most attention to the stool quality, the percentage of protein in the feed, and the presence of recyclable packaging, and least attention to feed appearance, smell, and animal satisfaction. Feed appearance, smell, a higher cost, and certain label indications (protein content, presence of fresh meat, grain free) were mostly important among the buyers of wet pet food. Some specific differences also emerged between dog, cat, and dog and cat owners.

CONCLUSIONS

In this survey of Italian pet food buyers, the presence of "natural" ingredients was considered to be the most important indicator of pet food quality, whereas characterized by a high price was considered least important. The data obtained from this survey could be used to help pet food companies identify which pet food quality traits are perceived as important by dog and cat owners.

Fecal shedding of Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridioides difficile in dogs fed raw meat-based diets in Brazil and their owners' motivation

The present study aimed to explore the motivations of Brazilian dog owners and their knowledge about the risks related to raw meat-based diets (RMBD) as well as to evaluate important enteropathogens such as Salmonella spp., C. perfringens, and C. difficile, in feces of dogs fed different diets. The majority of the pet owners (69.3%) reported to have chosen this diet for their dogs, considering it to be more “natural”. A large number of owners declared that RMBD do not pose health risks for their animals (87.9%) or humans (98.8%), even though almost one third of the respondents (34.8%) declared having at least one individual at high risk of infection in contact with RMBD-fed dogs. Stool samples from 46 RMBD-fed dogs and 192 dogs fed commercial dry feed were collected. The present study revealed that dogs fed raw meat diets were almost 30 times more likely to be positive for Salmonella spp. than dogs on a conventional diet. Some of the serovars detected were commonly associated with human salmonellosis, such as S. Typhimurium and S. Saintpaul, and were multidrug resistant. RMBD-fed dogs were more likely to be positive for C. perfringens type A (p = 0.008) and one C. perfringens type F was isolated from these animals. Two toxigenic strains (4.3%) of C. difficile were isolated only from raw meat-fed dogs, all of which were under antibiotic therapy. These toxigenic C. difficile isolates were classified as RT106/ST54 and RT600/ST149, previously associated with infection in dogs and humans. The present work revealed that the owners have a tendency to ignore or are unaware of the risks associated with raw meat diets for dogs. Also, the higher fecal shedding of important enteropathogens in dogs fed RMBD suggests that this diet poses a risk for the animals and the people in contact with them.

Presence of pathogenic bacteria in faeces from dogs fed raw meat-based diets or dry kibble

BACKGROUND

Feeding dogs with raw meat-based diets (RMBD) has increased in popularity in recent years. Proponents claim that RMBD is more natural for dogs, because it is what their ancestors (wolves) eat. Opponents claim that RMBD is a health hazard to both humans and animals, with a risk of spreading zoonotic bacteria and resistant bacterial strains.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study investigated differences in bacteria shedding in faeces between dogs fed RMBD and dogs fed dry kibble. Faeces samples from 50 dogs from the same municipality were analysed for the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella.

RESULTS

For the 25 dogs fed RMBD, ESBL E coli was isolated from 13 faeces samples, Campylobacter from 12 and Salmonella from 1. For the 25 dogs fed dry kibble, ESBL-producing E coli was isolated from one faeces sample and Campylobacter from four, while Salmonella was not detected.

CONCLUSION

There was thus a significant difference in excretion of zoonotic and resistant bacteria in faeces between dogs fed RMBD and dogs fed dry kibble. These results confirm that RMBD can pose a microbiological risk not only for dogs, but also for people handling RMBD and faeces from dogs.

<p><em>Salmonella</em> Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Causing Septic Peritonitis in Two Dogs</p>

This report describes two cases of Salmonella mesenteric lymphadenitis leading to septic peritonitis in two young dogs. The cases were similar in presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and length of hospitalization. Both cases presented with clinical signs of vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever and were treated successfully via surgical debridement, omentalization, and antibiotic therapy. Both cases grew multi-drug resistant Salmonella spp. with resistance to ampicillin sulbactam, which is a common empiric antibiotic choice for cases of canine septic peritonitis. In both cases, the source of Salmonella is proposed to be the raw diet that preceded the septic peritonitis diagnosis. While Salmonella mesenteric lymphadenitis has been reported in humans and pigs, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Salmonella mesenteric lymphadenitis in dogs.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Owned Domestic Cats in Australia

Ongoing surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and exposure risks in owned cats is important to identify effective mechanisms to decrease the prevalence of this global zoonotic parasite. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors for seropositivity in owned domestic cats in Australia. Sera, signalment data, postcode, and completed owner-questionnaires surveying diet composition and lifestyle factors were collected for cats presenting to 18 veterinary clinics across Australia. T. gondii-specific IgG was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate risk factors associated with positive T. gondii IgG serology. Among 417 cats, T. gondii seroprevalence was 39%. More than two-thirds of cats tested (69%) had outdoor access and 59% were fed a diet containing raw meat. Univariable analyses identified, age (>1 year, p < 0.001), a diet containing any raw meat (p = 0.001), raw kangaroo (p = 0.008), raw chicken (p = 0.012), or raw beef (p = 0.017), and hunting (p = 0.049) as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Age (>1 year, odds ratio [OR]: 7.15) and feeding of raw meat (OR: 2.23) remained significant risk factors (p < 0.001) in multivariable analyses. T. gondii seroprevalence did not differ between cats domiciled in urban and semiurban or rural areas. Pet cats in Australia are commonly infected with T. gondii. Feeding raw meat to cats, a common practice in Australia, is associated with T. gondii infection, highlighting the need for education about the health implications for cats from feeding a diet containing raw meat.

Evaluation of microbial contamination and effects of storage in raw meat-based dog foods purchased online

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.

Owners' perception of acquiring infections through raw pet food: a comprehensive internet-based survey

There has been concerns related to the risk of bacterial contamination from raw pet food to humans, but research is still scarce. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to use a worldwide internet survey-based data to evaluate the impact of raw pet foods on human health from the owners' experience. From 16 475 households, 0.2 per cent (n=39) reported having had a transmission of pathogen from the raw pet food to a human family member during the time that raw feeding had been used in the household. Only in three of those households the same pathogen that was found in the human sample was analysed and confirmed also in the raw pet food (0.02 per cent of all data). Moreover, 0.1 per cent (n=24) reported suspecting that a disease could have been transmitted to a human from the pet food. Feeding salmon and turkey, using more than 50 per cent of the diet as raw foods and preparing the raw food in the same place and utensils as the family foods all had negative association with infections. Having 2 to 6 year-old children living in the household was associated with more infections, although adults were the most frequently infected.

2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines*

The guidelines are an update and extension of the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines published in 2012. A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the dog’s lifespan into five stages (puppy, young adult, mature adult, senior, and end of life) instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their dog’s maturation and aging process and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, lifelong healthcare strategy. The guidelines provide the following recommendations for managing 10 health-related factors at each of the first four canine life stages: lifestyle effect on the patient’s safety, zoonotic and human safety risk, behavior, nutrition, parasite control, vaccination, dental health, reproduction, breed-specific conditions, and a baseline diagnostic profile.

What makes an effective One Health clinical practitioner? Opinions of Australian One Health experts

Despite agreement that One Health practices facilitate effective management of zoonoses, the pathways to a coordinated and collaborative approach by general medical practitioners (GPs) and veterinarians are hampered by limited understanding of how this can be practically incorporated in routine clinical settings. Data collected during a Delphi survey of Australian One Health ‘experts’ was used to explore opinions and insights into desired knowledge, attitudes and practices of effective One Health clinical practitioners. Five categories were identified as essential for GPs and veterinarians, namely: accurate baseline knowledge of specific zoonoses; a ‘big picture’ understanding of zoonoses; understanding of professional roles within the One Health paradigm; understanding one's own professional limitations; and collaboration and referral improve outcomes. An outline of the roles and responsibilities of GPs and veterinarians as effective One Health clinicians was determined based on the opinions of the expert panel. Educational interventions that foster interprofessional communication and collaboration will be necessary to successfully bring about the cultural change required to achieve effective One Health practice in Australia, and thus expedite improved human, animal and environmental health outcomes.

•

Experts identified five essential categories required by general medical practitioners and veterinarians.

•

Cross professional collaboration was seen as a hallmark of effective One Health practice.

•

Specific roles were identified for GPs and veterinarians with regard to zoonoses management

•

Significant cultural change is required to successfully facilitate effective One Health practice at a clinical level

Raw meat-based diets for companion animals: a potential source of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Feeding pets raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) has become increasingly popular but may constitute a risk due to the contamination with pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate commercially available RMBDs with regard to microbiological quality and occurrence of AMR Enterobacteriaceae. Of 51 RMBD samples, 72.5% did not meet the microbiological standards for Enterobacteriaceae set out by EU regulations for animal by-products intended for pet food. Furthermore, Salmonella was detected in 3.9% of the samples. AMR bacteria were found in 62.7% of the samples, the majority thereof were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) including CTX-M-1, which is widespread in livestock, and CTX-M-15, which is the most common ESBL variant worldwide. Colistin- and aminoglycoside-resistant isolates, producing MCR-1 and RMTB, were identified in 3.9 and 2% of the samples, respectively. The majority of the AMR Escherichia coli belonged to commensal groups A or B1 and were associated with clonal complexes CC155 and CC10. Two belonged to the emerging extraintestinal pathogenic CC648, and one to the globally disseminated uropathogenic E. coli sequence type ST69, suggesting zoonotic potential. The microbiological quality and the high prevalence of AMR producing Enterobacteriaceae in RMBDs raise concerns for animal and public health.

Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards

There is a recent trend to feed pet dogs and cats in Britain and other developed countries on raw meat and animal by-products using either commercial preparations or home recipes. This shift from heat-treated processed food has been driven by perceived health benefits to pets and a suspicion of industrially produced pet food. The diets of wild-living related species have been used as a rationale for raw feeding, but differences in biology and lifestyle impose limitations on such comparisons. Formal evidence does exist for claims by raw-feeding proponents of an altered intestinal microbiome and (subjectively) improved stool quality. However, there is currently neither robust evidence nor identified plausible mechanisms for many of the wide range of other claimed benefits. There are documented risks associated with raw feeding, principally malnutrition (inexpert formulation and testing of diets) and infection affecting pets and/or household members. Surveys in Europe and North America have consistently found Salmonella species in a proportion of samples, typically of fresh-frozen commercial diets. Another emerging issue concerns the risk of introducing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Raw pet food commonly exceeds hygiene thresholds for counts of Enterobacteriaceae. These bacteria often encode resistance to critically important antibiotics such as extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and raw-fed pets create an elevated risk of shedding such resistant bacteria. Other infectious organisms that may be of concern include Listeria, shiga toxigenic E scherichia coli , parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and exotic agents such as the zoonotic livestock pathogen Brucella suis, recently identified in European Union and UK raw pet meat imported from Argentina.

Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis in 3 cats

Background

Listeriosis is a rare disease in cats with naturally occurring cases usually being identified in individual animals. Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis has not been described previously in cats.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and histological features of listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis in cats as well as treatment outcome.

Animals

Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis was confirmed in 3 cats by histology, immunohistochemistry, and bacterial culture.

Results

The affected cats were young to middle aged and were examined for various clinical signs. On both palpation and abdominal ultrasound examination, all cats had marked mesenteric lymphadenomegaly. Survival was prolonged in all 3 cases. Two of the 3 cats were fed a raw meat‐based diet before they developed clinical illness.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lymphadenitis caused by listeriosis has a protracted time course and should be a differential diagnosis for abdominal lymphadenopathy in young to middle‐aged cats. Feeding of a raw meat‐based diet may be a contributing factor for development of listeriosis in cats.

A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag-Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat (Felis catus) Management

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats' body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues.

Metagenomic dissection of the canine gut microbiota: insights into taxonomic, metabolic and nutritional features

Domestication of dogs from wolves is the oldest known example of ongoing animal selection, responsible for generating more than 300 dog breeds worldwide. In order to investigate the taxonomic and functional evolution of the canine gut microbiota, a multi-omics approach was applied to six wild wolves and 169 dog faecal samples, the latter encompassing 51 breeds, which fully covers currently known canine genetic biodiversity. Specifically, 16S rRNA gene and bifidobacterial Internally Transcribed Spacer (ITS) profiling were employed to reconstruct and then compare the canine core gut microbiota to those of wolves and humans, revealing that artificial selection and subsequent cohabitation of dogs with their owners influenced the microbial population of canine gut through loss and acquisition of specific bacterial taxa. Moreover, comparative analysis of the intestinal bacterial population of dogs fed on Bones and Raw Food (BARF) or commercial food (CF) diet, coupled with shotgun metagenomics, highlighted that both bacterial composition and metabolic repertoire of the canine gut microbiota have evolved to adapt to high-protein or high-carbohydrates intake. Altogether, these data indicate that artificial selection and domestication not only affected the canine genome, but also shaped extensively the bacterial population harboured by the canine gut.

Occurrence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae in raw meat-based diets for dogs

The practice of feeding raw meat-based diets (RMBD) to dogs has increased in popularity in recent years. However, RMBD are based on offal that has not undergone any type of treatment to reduce the microbial content, so there is a risk of potential pathogenic microorganisms being present. Frozen samples from 60 RMBD packs produced by 10 different manufacturers were analysed for their content of bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, for Clostridium perfringens and for the presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Enterobacteriaceae were detected in all 60 samples and in 31 samples exceeded a level of 5000 bacteria/g, which is the threshold for satisfactory microbial hygiene according to EU regulations. In two samples, the amount of C. perfringens exceeded 5000 bacteria/g, which is the maximum level of anaerobic bacteria permitted by Swedish national guidelines. Salmonella species were found in four (7 per cent) and Campylobacter species in three (5 per cent) samples. These results show that it is critical to maintain good hygiene when storing, handling and feeding RMBD, in order to limit the potential health risks to animals and humans, especially young and immunocompromised individuals.

Raw meat-based diets for dogs: survey of owners' motivations, attitudes and practices

BACKGROUND

The popularity of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for pets has been increasing in recent years even if the reputed health benefits are mainly anecdotal. A web-based survey was developed to better understand the motivations and habits of owners who decided to feed their dogs RMBDs.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 218 dog owners, 62 of whom were living with people whose immune system was impaired or weakened. Internet was the preferred source of information for more than half of the respondents, and feeding dogs a more natural and healthier diet was the main reason behind owners' interest in RMBDs. About 80% of the participants completely abandoned commercial pet food and showed marked distrust especially towards the lack of clarity on the ingredients used (n = 169). The vast majority of owners interviewed (94%) believed RMBDs to be absolutely safe for dogs, and shinier coat, muscle mass gain, and cleaner teeth were the principal improvements seen on their pets. Controlling the composition and quality of the ingredients provided to their animals was the main advantage of RMBDs for 57% of the owners, while the main disadvantages were related to the purchase of some components (38%) and the time required (22%) for the preparation of the diet. Only 8% of the respondents relied on veterinarians for RMBD formulation, and a wide variety of feeding regimens and combinations of ingredients was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

As revealed by this study, most owners are unaware of the risks posed by the feeding of RMBDs for both animal and human health, and they often rely on questionable sources for advice on pet nutrition. Owners see RMBDs as a more natural and healthier alternative to commercial pet food even if the actual benefits remain unproven. Consulting veterinarians for proper information and board-certified nutritionists for the formulation of complete and balanced RMBDs should be promoted.