Transmission of Yersinia enterocolitica 4/O : 3 to pets via contaminated pork

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate sources of Yersinia enterocol itica 4/O:3 infections in dogs and cats. Methods and Results: Transmission of Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 to pets via co ntaminated pork was studied using PFGE with NotI, ApaI and XhoI enzymes. A total of 132 isolates, of which 16 were from cat and dog faeces and 116 fro m raw pork samples, were recovered in Finland during 1998-99. Cat 1, whose diet consisted mostly of raw pig hearts and kidneys, excreted Y. enterocoli tica 4/O:3 of genotype G4. This predominant genotype was also found in isol ates recovered from the pig heart, liver, kidney, tongue and ear, and mince d pork samples. Dog 2, which was fed raw minced pork, excreted Y. enterocol itica of genotype G13. This genotype was also identified in isolates recove red from the pig heart, kidney and tongue, and minced pork samples. Conclusions: These results show that raw pork can be an important source of Yersinin enterocolitica 4/O:3 infections in dogs and cats. Significance and Impact of the Study: Raw pork should not be given to pets.