It feels like I’m on a real infectious disease kick, first a worldwide, economy destroying viral pandemic and now bacterial disease from puppies (is nothing sacred?!).

Campylobacter jejuni is a bacterial disease often associated with chickens but it is also something that our fluffy friends can carry. They carry it in their intestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their poop. Not all animals with it are sick, with 21% of healthy pets found to have it in their feces! Raw chicken (yum) and pet poop (double yum) would be the main ways humans would get infected. The symptoms vary from fever and headaches to cramping and bloody diarrhea. Infection with this bacteria has also been linked to the development of devastating autoimmune disorders. This infection normally is treated with antibiotics, unfortunately (you knew that was coming), there have been some outbreaks of antibiotic resistant C. jejuni strains! Here is the CDC report of the outbreak in the United States.

There is evidence that the outbreak that occurred in the states is linked to puppy breeding operations. This isn’t too surprising,… if appropriate management of animals is not taken, diseases can run rampant in these facilities (especially with those little buggers). Backyard breeders and puppy mills may not be set up for what is necessary or appropriate for disease control. More concerning is that many of these facilities are administering antimicrobial drugs without any signs of disease (as preventative). This is a no no! Improper use of antibiotics/antimicrobials assists in the selection and promotion of resistant bugs. Sort of the perfect storm: Rufus the cute little puppy propping himself up on the cage to be picked up by you, the unsuspecting sucker. You stick your nose in close to get a whiff of the new puppy smell (Rufus was rolling around in a contaminated environment, that’s what the smell is). Rufus gives you a great big kiss right on the lips. (Rufus also ate some of his litter-mate’s infected poop moments earlier). Rufus feels like sharing is caring… Pure. Evil.

Now I’m not saying don’t cuddle puppies, I’m not a monster. I feel like a bit of a broken record but be safe, clean, wash your hands, don’t eat poo.

Other potentially helpful tips: Probiotics may show promise in reducing spread. Don’t let your pet drink from contaminated water sources (also for lepto). Pick up after your pet (prevents environmental contamination).