Salmonella and Pets, Can You Infect Each Other?
Published 2024-03-19 01:36 by Nordictest
If you're going to test yourself for salmonella, it's important to consider where this infection may have originated. For the most part, salmonella is contracted from water or contaminated food. When raw foods are mixed with cooked ones, the risk increases, and kitchen hygiene is crucial to avoid spreading the infection.
But now, a home test has shown that you actually have salmonella at home. Could this have come from your pets, and is there now a risk that the cat, dog, or bird could also become ill? Let's take a closer look at this topic to understand how salmonella transmission between humans and animals works.
Salmonella Can Be Transmitted from Pets to Humans
First and foremost, it's important to note that both humans and animals can be infected with salmonella. Therefore, it's entirely possible for both you and your pet to be affected by the infection. The bacterium can cause illness in both humans and animals, posing a risk of transmission.
Understanding how the infection can be transmitted is crucial to protect yourself and your pet. So, let's first examine the spread before delving into more information about symptoms of salmonella in pets and humans.
How Salmonella Bacteria Spread
Salmonella can spread between pets and humans in several ways. It's important to realize that pets can carry salmonella bacteria without showing any symptoms. The bacterium is present in the animal's feces and can thus be transmitted to humans.
Some examples include:
| Pets | Transmission to Humans |
| Reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes) |
Direct contact with the animal or indirectly through contaminated surfaces (terrarium, toys). |
| Small rodents (hamsters, mice) |
Handling the animals or their cages and accessories. |
| Poultry (chickens, ducks) |
Direct contact with the animals or their feces, as well as indirectly through contaminated eggshells. |
| Cats |
Indirectly through contact with contaminated objects (litter box, food bowls). Although less common, cats consuming raw meat or small animals may carry the bacterium. |
| Dogs |
Indirectly through contact with contaminated objects (dog toys, food bowls). Like cats, dogs consuming raw meat or coming into contact with infected animals may carry the bacterium. |
What Does Your Pet Eat?
One thing to consider is what kind of diet you provide for your pet. There's a movement advocating for feeding raw food to pets, which is believed to be more in line with how, for example, a cat would eat in nature.
However, it's essential to remember that raw meat for your cat can also mean that your pet ingests salmonella bacteria. These bacteria then end up in the soil in your vegetable garden, posing a risk of you also getting salmonella bacteria from your own carrots.
There is pet food specifically designed with the risk of bacterial transmission between pets and humans in mind. Take a look at this type of pet food to see if you can potentially prevent by choosing the right type of food for your pet.
Salmonella Symptoms in Pets and Humans
Humans infected with salmonella bacteria can develop the illness Salmonellosis. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected animals do not always show clear signs of infection. Some may have similar gastrointestinal issues to humans, which may also include vomiting.
What Can You Do to Prevent Spread?
There's a lot that can be done to prevent the spread between pets and humans. It's especially important to remember that animals can be infected without showing symptoms. You can't rely on a feces test for humans to work the same way on an animal.
Given this, it's wise to always be prepared for the presence of salmonella bacteria in your pet's bodily fluids and feces. You don't necessarily have to test the animal when thinking preventatively.
Do the following:
1. Wash Your Hands and Teach Others to Wash Theirs
Be diligent about hand hygiene, especially after handling your pet. You may set a good example for your children and others in your household, but also discuss this. Explain to those living with you the importance of handwashing and why it's necessary.
When a cage has been cleaned, it might not feel like handwashing is needed since gloves have been used. However, it's crucial to be extra cautious here. The same goes for when you take tools from the pet's cage or toys to clean them in the kitchen.
2. Keep Your Pet's Environment Clean
Ensure that your pet's cage or environment is always clean. A dog kennel must be kept clean just like your home. Change bedding and remove waste to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Also, make sure surfaces are dry and clean.
3. Separate Food Handling
Also, be careful not to prepare food for pets and food for humans simultaneously.
4. Reduce Face Contact
Some may find this request excessive. However, direct contact with pets' faces increases the risk of salmonella bacteria transmission between animals and humans. Be aware of this when deciding whether to let your dog lick your face or your child's face.
5. Educate Your Children
Children can be particularly susceptible to infections, and they can also be the source of transmission between animals and humans. It's especially important to teach children how to interact with animals and the hygiene involved. When a child is going out to walk the dog and will handle tasks such as picking up feces with a bag, you must ensure that this is followed by proper handwashing.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Has Salmonella?
If you suspect that your pet has salmonella, you should contact a veterinarian for advice and possibly treatment. Do not take this lightly. Untreated salmonella is not only a risk for the animal but also for you and your family if the infection were to spread to you.