Detection and Characterization of Zoonotic Pathogens in Raw Pet Food at a Sentinel Foodnet Surveillance Site in Ontario: Generating Baseline Data for Industry Regulation

Lead Applicant: Lauren Grant

Research Priority: Food Safety

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2026/2027

Research Centre: N/A

Research Summary: Enteric zoonotic pathogens can contaminate raw pet food, posing a risk to human and animal health. These pathogens can be resistant to antibiotics, which can worsen health outcomes and make treatment more difficult. Concerningly, the popularity of raw pet food diets is increasing among pet owners. Further, there is insufficient regulatory oversight of the manufacture and sale of raw pet food in Ontario. To inform food safety interventions, baseline pathogen data is needed. In partnership with FoodNet Canada, this research aims to determine the prevalence of several enteric zoonotic pathogens in raw pet food sourced from retail sites in Ontario and to characterize their antimicrobial resistance of critical importance to human health. Anticipated outcomes include quantitative evidence regarding pathogens in raw pet food in Ontario that can inform regulation, risk communication, and other interventions to increase pet food safety and reduce risks to human and animal health.