A recent report from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) indicates that 27 individuals have contracted salmonella infection from dog food and treats. The cases have been reported in various regions across the country, with 13 in Alberta, 12 in British Columbia, one in Ontario, and one in the Northwest Territories.
Salmonella symptoms can range from mild to severe, including headache, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Six individuals have been hospitalized in connection with this outbreak, but fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
The affected individuals, aged between 0 and 87 years, fell ill between mid-February and mid-August 2025. Many of them reported handling dog food and treats before experiencing symptoms, such as kibble, dehydrated, and freeze-dried treats. While a specific supplier has not yet been identified, PHAC continues its investigation to pinpoint the source.
Health experts warn that even seemingly healthy dogs can transmit salmonella to humans through their stool. Contamination can occur when individuals touch infected feces or pet their dog and then touch their face. It is crucial to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet food, treats, or interacting with dogs to prevent the spread of bacteria.
To minimize the risk of infection, public health officials recommend washing and sanitizing all items that come into contact with dog food, using separate dishes for pets, and storing pet food away from human food. Additionally, following storage instructions on pet food packages, checking labels for ingredients and expiration dates, and differentiating between cooked and raw foods can help prevent contamination.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control emphasizes the importance of preventing infections, especially among vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, due to the close contact between pets and owners. Raw pet food can potentially harbor various bacterial pathogens, including E.coli, listeria, and campylobacter, leading to outbreaks and health risks.
In conclusion, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, proper food handling, and pet care, is crucial to prevent the transmission of salmonella and other infections from pets to humans.