Investigation of Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak in Kawartha Lakes Reveals Raw Pet Food and Cattle as Likely Sources; Children at High Risk.

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : KAWARTHA LAKES – The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently working alongside provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate a widespread outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections across six provinces. Children aged five and under have been particularly affected by this outbreak, and treating the illness with commonly recommended antibiotics may prove challenging. The outbreak is still ongoing, as new cases continue to be reported to PHAC.

The investigation thus far has identified two potential sources of the outbreak. Exposure to raw pet food has been pinpointed as a likely cause for some of the reported illnesses. Individuals who fell sick reported either direct contact with raw pet food or contact with dogs that were fed raw pet food. However, a specific supplier of the raw pet food has not been identified. Additionally, contact with cattle, especially calves, has also been identified as a probable source of the outbreak. While the investigation is still ongoing, it is possible that additional sources may be identified.

This outbreak serves as a reminder that Salmonella bacteria can be present in raw pet food and various animal species, including dogs and cattle. Hence, it is crucial to practice safe food handling techniques when preparing, cooking, or storing raw pet food to prevent illness. Good hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing after contact with dogs fed raw pet food, cattle, and their surroundings, is also advised.

It has been discovered that the strain of Salmonella responsible for the outbreak has been found in raw pet food from the home of an affected individual. If contaminated, raw pet food can also pose a risk to pets, potentially making them sick. Infected pets can then spread bacteria, such as Salmonella, to individuals they come into contact with, even if they do not exhibit any signs of illness. Dogs and cattle have also been found to carry this outbreak strain of Salmonella, with some of these animals unfortunately succumbing to the illness.

As of November 11, 2023, there have been a total of 40 confirmed cases of XDR Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:-illness across six provinces in Canada. These cases were reported in Manitoba (1), Ontario (14), Quebec (21), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (2), and Prince Edward Island (1). The affected individuals fell ill between July 2020 and September 2023, with thirteen requiring hospitalization. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. The age range of those affected spans from newborns to 91 years old, with children aged five and under accounting for nearly half (43%) of the cases. Female individuals make up approximately half (53%) of the reported cases.

The collaborative investigation into the outbreak was initiated due to a surge in reports of XDR Salmonella illnesses across multiple regions in Canada. By utilizing a laboratory technique known as whole genome sequencing, it was determined that some Salmonella cases dating back to 2020 were caused by the same outbreak strain responsible for the illnesses in 2023. Recent cases may continue to be reported as there is a time lag between when a person falls ill and when the illness is officially reported to health authorities. In this outbreak, the reporting period for illnesses is between four to eight weeks.

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection typically manifest within 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and usually last for 4-7 days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps. Infected individuals can spread Salmonella to others for several days to several weeks, even if they are asymptomatic. The bacteria can be transmitted through person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces. While most people recover fully from a Salmonella infection without treatment, severe cases can result in hospitalization. The outbreak strain associated with this investigation is extensively drug-resistant, meaning it is resistant to commonly recommended antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, azithromycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and ciprofloxacin. It is also resistant to older antibiotic drugs like aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Therefore, treating illnesses caused by this outbreak strain may prove challenging if antibiotic intervention is necessary.

Anyone can fall ill with a Salmonella infection, but certain individuals are at higher risk for severe illness. These at-risk groups include:

– Infants
– Elderly individuals
– Pregnant women
– Individuals with compromised immune systems

To protect one’s health and prevent the spread of Salmonella, the following measures should be taken:

Raw Pet Food:
– PHAC advises against feeding raw pet food to pets, particularly in households with young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, as they are more susceptible to severe illness. Commercially prepared raw pet food and treats have been found to contain harmful germs such as Salmonella and E. coli. Raw meat used in homemade diets can also be contaminated.
– It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before deciding what to feed your pet, as they can provide guidance on the best diet to maintain the health of both your pet and your family.
– If you choose to feed your pet raw pet food, certain precautions can help reduce the risk of a Salmonella infection. These include thorough handwashing with soap and water after handling pets, washing and sanitizing any containers, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw pet food, using separate dishes and utensils for pet food, storing pet food away from human food, and ensuring proper storage and thawing of raw pet food.

Contact with Cattle:
– Hand hygiene is vital before and after interacting with cattle or any objects in their surroundings, such as their living areas or feeding areas. Washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is recommended. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used.
– If visiting a farm or petting zoo, it is crucial to wash hands after leaving animal areas, even if direct contact with animals did not occur.
– Eating or drinking around cattle should be avoided, and food and drinks should be kept away from animal areas.
– Children should always be supervised when around animals, such as cattle, and should refrain from putting fingers or objects in their mouths when in contact with animals or in animal areas.

In conclusion, the outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections in Canada has sparked a collaborative investigation involving various health agencies. The outbreak has been linked to exposure to raw pet food and contact with cattle, with children aged five and under being particularly affected. It is essential to practice safe food handling techniques and maintain proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of Salmonella. Feeding raw pet food to pets, especially in households with vulnerable individuals, is not recommended. Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial in determining the best diet for your pet’s health. Additionally, practicing good hand hygiene when in contact with cattle and avoiding food and drinks around them can help reduce the risk of infection..