Are pets at risk of listeriosis too?

WITH the listeriosis outbreak on everyone’s lips in South Africa, following the recall of contaminated cold meat products at the weekend, concern has mounted over both people’s and pet’s health in the wake of the infection.

Some 180 people have died and with about 1,000 showing symptoms, this represents the biggest outbreak of listeriosis ever.

On Sunday, it was confirmed that the Polokwane-based Enterprise processed meat manufacturing plant as well as a Rainbow Chickens plant were identified as the source of contaminated samples of processed meats at a Soweto creche. The companies have issued a countrywide recall in the wake of the confirmation.

In humans, listeriosis’ flu-like symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, fever and general body pain, vomiting and weakness. If experiencing any of these, one should see the doctor immediately. Listerious is a serious but treatable bacterial infection.

Pet owners are worried their pets will fall prey to the deadly infection.

Read also: Listeriosis – 7 things you need to know

A local vet clarified that while domesticated pets can contract the infection, studies show the chances are negligible.

“Listeriosis is a dangerous bacterial infection that can contaminate a variety of different food types,” explained the National Institute For Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Foods which can be contaminated include meat and meat products, ready-to-eat products, some dairy products and some fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

While the virus is most common in livestock such as sheep, cattle and goats, there have been cases found in guinea pigs, rabbits, poultry, dogs and cats. Interestingly enough, a large variety of domestic and wild animals can carry the bacteria without becoming sick.

Pet owners shouldn’t be fear-stricken just yet, as the Inanda Veterinary Hospital clarified that, while chance of their pets getting the infection is possible, the chance is very slim. A study found 0.9% of dogs’ faeces tested positive for the bacteria, with it being non-existent in cats.

Livestock animals can pick up the bacteria from infected bodies of water, but dogs and cats are more likely to become infected if they eat contaminated meat or pet food which has been made with contaminated meat.

Symptoms of listeriosis in pets include diarrhoea, nausea, fever, vomiting and weakness. If your pet shows these symptoms, a visit to the vet is recommended.

As a zoonotic disease, listeriosis can be transferred from animals to humans. However, domestic pets don’t seem to pass this bacteria onto their human families.

Ways to help prevent your pet from consuming products that contain listeria, the bacteria which causes this form of food poisoning:

* Pay attention to recalls: When a product is recalled from the shelves, take it that this food will also not be suitable for you or your pet to eat.
* Limit your pet’s treats: Refrain from giving your pet viennas, sausages or cold meats.
* Cook meat thoroughly.
* Don’t feed unsafe meat that you have discarded to your pets.
* Discard unsafe products in a thorough and safe manner.
* Feeding your pet a raw meat diet can increase the risk of them contracting not only listeria, but salmonella and many other diseases and infections.

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