# Salmonellosis Outbreak in a Rottweiler Kennel Associated with Raw Meat-Based Diets

## TL;DR

A Salmonella outbreak in a Rottweiler kennel was traced to raw meat diets, highlighting risks to pets and humans.

## Contribution

First documented case of Salmonella Agona in dogs linked to raw meat diets in Bulgaria.

## Key findings

- Salmonella Agona outbreak traced to unlicensed raw meat diet in Rottweiler kennel.
- Isolate resistant to several antibiotics but responsive to targeted therapy and disinfection.
- No human transmission occurred after implementing control measures.

## Abstract

This report outlines an outbreak of salmonellosis in a Rottweiler breeding kennel caused by Salmonella Agona, which was linked to an unlicensed raw meat-based diet. It emphasises the importance of safe feeding practices, good biosecurity measures, and traceable feed sources in kennels. Additionally, it raises awareness about the zoonotic risks associated with raw feeding. The diagnostic and treatment protocols described can serve as a model for managing similar cases under the One Health approach.

This case describes an outbreak of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Agona in a Rottweiler breeding kennel, associated with raw meat-based diet (RMBD) of unlicensed origin. The report presents the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characteristics of the outbreak, as well as the control and preventive measures undertaken. Methods: Samples of faeces, vomit, raw food, and environmental surfaces were collected and examined. The isolated pathogen was identified using bacteriological culture, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and serotyping according to the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method in accordance with standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and dehydration without fever, with disease exacerbation observed in post-partum animals. Extensive carriage and faecal shedding of S. Agona were detected in affected dogs, along with widespread contamination of food and the kennel environment. The isolate was susceptible to some antimicrobial agents but resistant to cephalexin, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, macrolides, and fusidic acid, and showed intermediate susceptibility to polymyxin B. Following discontinuation of raw meat feeding, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and environmental disinfection, all dogs recovered, and subsequent tests for Salmonella spp., were negative. All human contacts also tested negative. Conclusions: This represents the first documented outbreak of S. Agona infection in dogs in Bulgaria linked to a RMBD. The findings emphasise the importance of feed safety, biosecurity, and traceability of feed sources in kennels, as well as the potential zoonotic risk associated with raw feeding practices. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures implemented in this case provide an effective model for managing similar epidemiological events within the One Health framework.