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Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella has become a growing concern for public health, with the bacteria developing resistance to common drugs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people can contract Salmonella through contaminated food, or via contact with infected animals, including household pets. A recent study from Penn State University has revealed that pet dogs may be an overlooked source of this dangerous pathogen, potentially contributing to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella.
The study, published in the Zoonoses and Public Health journal, highlights the role of dogs as a transmission point for non-typhoidal Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, the infection can result in life-threatening complications. Researchers caution that household dogs, which are in close contact with humans, may be contributing to the spread of this infection, particularly given the increasing use of antibiotics in companion animal medicine.
Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, led the study and pointed out that while Salmonella infections in dogs are often asymptomatic, they can still carry and spread the bacteria to humans. The study’s findings underscore the importance of proper hygiene and awareness, especially since household dogs have frequent, close interactions with their owners, increasing the chances of zoonotic transmission—diseases that spread from animals to humans.
The research team examined data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, identifying cases of non-typhoidal Salmonella in domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023. They then compared the data with Salmonella strains found in humans through the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s database. Their findings revealed 77 suspected zoonotic cases, involving 164 strains from 17 U.S. states.
Notably, the study found that many of the Salmonella strains identified in dogs were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including those deemed critically important by the World Health Organization. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of treatments and the potential for resistant infections to spread more widely.
Sophia Kenney, a doctoral student at Penn State and lead author of the study, emphasized the need for greater antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal medicine to reduce the risk of resistant infections. “Our data highlight the importance of considering all potential transmission points, including companion animals, within a One Health framework—a model that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health,” Kenney explained.
The study also echoes past outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Salmonella, such as the 2018 incident involving pig ear pet treats, which sickened 154 people across 34 states. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of simple hygiene practices, such as washing hands after handling pets or their food, to protect both pets and humans from infection.
Nkuchia M’ikanatha, an epidemiologist at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and co-author of the study, stressed that while dogs are often seen as family members, they can still harbor harmful bacteria, including Salmonella. “Even the healthiest dog can carry Salmonella, and we need to be vigilant about preventing its spread,” he said.
While the findings are concerning, Ganda notes that bacteria are not inherently harmful, as some are essential for health. The goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to encourage pet owners to take basic precautions, such as practicing good hygiene, to keep their families and pets safe.
“Owning a dog offers numerous physical and mental health benefits,” Ganda said. “By staying informed and taking simple steps to minimize risk, we can ensure a healthy environment for both pets and their owners.”
The study calls for continued research and awareness about the risks posed by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in companion animals, particularly as more people across the U.S. embrace dog ownership.
For more details, refer to the full study: Sophia M. Kenney et al., Antimicrobial Resistance and Zoonotic Potential of Nontyphoidal Salmonella From Household Dogs, Zoonoses and Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.1111/zph.13174.
