A cautionary alert has been issued to dog owners regarding the potential presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw pet food, following recent findings from a study conducted at the University of Bristol.
The study, which focused on Escherichia Coli (E. coli) contamination, examined 15 samples of raw dog food obtained from specialized pet stores. Additionally, 58 samples of raw beef, pork, chicken, and lamb intended for human consumption were analyzed from UK supermarkets.
Results revealed that a significant portion of both chicken-based raw dog food (87%) and meat samples for human consumption (81%) tested positive for E. coli. Furthermore, the samples were subjected to tests for resistance against various antibiotics including amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, and streptomycin.
Presented at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Global Congress in Barcelona, the study highlighted the concerning prevalence of resistant E. coli in uncooked meat. Professor Matthew B Avison, co-author of the study, emphasized the potential risks associated with such bacteria, noting their ability to persist in the gut for extended periods without causing immediate illness. He underscored the heightened challenge in treating infections caused by resistant bacteria, which could lead to severe health complications.
Contrary to common assumptions regarding the safety of raw dog food due to its frozen state, Professor Avison clarified that freezing does not eliminate bacterial contamination. The study revealed comparable levels of resistant E. coli in chicken-based raw dog food as in raw chicken meat intended for human consumption.
Addressing dog owners who feed their pets raw meat, Professor Avison advised treating all raw meat as potentially contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. He recommended avoiding close contact between dogs and owners, such as face licking or sharing beds, and emphasized the importance of hand hygiene after petting.
These findings underscore the necessity for heightened vigilance among dog owners regarding the potential risks associated with raw pet food consumption, urging proactive measures to mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in both pets and humans.
