Do dogs and cats present a risk of transmission of salmonellosis to humans?

Abstract

Examination of rectal swabs from 187 dogs and 13 cats showed that Salmonella spp. was present in only one dog, a 4-month old mongrel puppy, weighing 3.5 kg. It was identified as S. dublin, a species specific serovar of cattle. The animal exhibited no signs of disease during clinical examination. Of the total number of examined animals this positive dog represents only 0.5%. Within the group of patients included in our monitoring in none of those with gastrointestinal problems it was possible to isolate Salmonella spp. This indicates that the risk of transmission of salmonellosis from dogs and cats in the region of Kosice seems to be rather low. On the basis of literature and our own observations we identified the potential sources and the possible ways of the transfer of this disease. The most common appears to be the oral infection by infected feed of various types, particularly by direct contamination of feed with either animal or human contaminants. In dogs and cats salmonellosis occurs most frequently in a latent form. The clinical findings vary with regard to the number of pathogens, immune status of the host, occurrence of health complications and the form of associated disease units. There are suitable isolation and diagnostic methods for diagnostics of salmonellosis. Due to the need for continuous protection of health of humans and animals, screening of occurrence of zoonotic pathogens appears topical. (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 35.).