Drug-resistant salmonella outbreak spreads across Canada, affecting many kids

globalnews.ca:

drug-resistant” salmonella infections has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under, prompting a public health notice.On Saturday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a public health notice saying it, along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada, launched an investigation into the salmonella outbreak, revealing raw pet food and cattle contact as likely culprits.“Many of the individuals who became sick are children five years of age or younger. Illnesses associated with this outbreak strain may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics, if antibiotic treatment is needed,” PHAC said in a statement.The outbreak is still ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.After investigating the outbreak, PHAC said two sources were identified.The first source was linked to exposure to raw meat prepared for pets.

PHAC said some of the individuals who became sick reported exposure to raw pet food before the illness occurred. But a single supplier of raw pet food has not been identified.Contact with cattle, particularly calves, was linked as the second source of the outbreak.“The outbreak is a reminder that salmonella bacteria can be found in raw pet food and in many species of animals, including dogs and cattle,” PHAC warned.

“Always use safe food handling practices when preparing, cooking, or storing raw pet food to prevent illness. Practice good hand hygiene and frequent handwashing after contact with dogs fed raw pet food, cattle, and their environments.”PHAC’s investigation also found this outbreak strain of salmonella has been found in sick dogs and cattle, and some of these animals have died.