|
"While raw food diets are becoming
increasingly popular among pet owners, there is a growing body
of information showing that these diets pose a health risk not
only for the pets that consume them but to their owners as
well," says Link Welborn, DVM, AAHA president.
Shane L. Stiver, DVM, Kendall S. Frazier, DVM, Michael J.
Mauel, PhD, and Eloise L. Styer, PhD, from the University of
Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a case study
of two cats that developed salmonellosis (Salmonella
infection) as a result of a raw meat-based diet. The
salmonellosis caused gastrointestinal upset, weight loss and
anorexia that resulted in the death of both cats. Salmonella
in tissue cultures isolated from one of the cats was identical
to cultures from the raw beef used in the cat's home-prepared
diet, and the resulting infection was confirmed as the cause
of death in both cases. The report is the first to describe
the occurrence of salmonellosis in cats as a result of feeding
a raw meat-based diet. TOP
The "JAAHA" study also found that while most human cases of
salmonellosis result from direct exposure to contaminated
food, there are documented cases of infection due to direct
and indirect contact with infected pets. In cats and humans,
the very young and very old, as well as those with an
immune-compromised state, have the highest risk of infection.
Since people often spend a great deal of time in close
proximity to their pets, there are many opportunities for
exposure to disease causing organisms, such as Salmonella,
through petting, grooming, food preparation, water bowls and
litter boxes. TOP
The study concluded that cats fed raw meat contaminated with
Salmonella are at risk for development of salmonellosis and
may pose a disease risk to their owners and handlers. Feeding
of raw meat contaminated by Salmonella and recovery of
Salmonella from the feces of sled dogs and greyhounds has been
documented, suggesting a risk of human infection from contact
with infected dogs as well as cats. Due to these risks, AAHA
recommends that pet owners not feed their pets a raw-meat
based diet and encourages owners to ask their veterinarian for
advice regarding a nutritionally balanced diet that is
appropriate for their pet's age and lifestyle. TOP
"A substantial body of science-based nutritional data has
contributed to the longer life span that our companion animals
currently enjoy," says Dr. Welborn. "Your veterinarian uses
these resources to provide nutritional recommendations that
will help your pet live a long and healthy life."
The American Animal Hospital Association is an international
organization of more than 29,000 veterinary care providers who
treat companion animals. Established in 1933, the association
is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for
hospitals and pet health care. For pet care information or a
referral to an AAHA hospital, pet owners can visit the
AAHA
website.
Source: American Animal Hospital Association |
