Raw meat-based diets for companion animals: a potential source of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

The possibility of transmission of Salmonella and of MDR Enterobacteriaceae from raw meat-based diets to companion animals and their owners poses a severe health risk, particularly to vulnerable persons such as infants, the elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised individuals. Appropriate measures, such as activities that raise the awareness of antimicrobial resistance from the pet food safety perspective and providing information to pet owners on the correct handling of RMBDs, should be established in order to reduce the risk and ensure animal and public health.