<unk>  is found worldwide and is among the predominant<unk>  spp. associated with enteritis in companion animals. Diarrhetic dogs are considered a possible source for human infections, though there may also be host-specific strains. Sources for companion animals include raw or undercooked meats, especially poultry. Poor sanitary conditions in kennels and shelters where animals are in direct contact with feces have also been implicated. Humans can become infected after contact with contaminated cat and dog feces, which accounts for a small percentage of human<unk> iosis cases. The majority of human cases are food-borne. Younger animals and children with underdeveloped immune systems are at greatest risk of infection.<unk>  infections are usually isolated events that don’t evolve into outbreaks, and the infection is generally self-limiting. Dogs may also be asymptomatically infected and act as carriers, so dog feces should always be handled carefully even if the animal isn’t diarrhetic. It is unknown how long infected animals shed<unk>  in feces, but stressful events may increase shedding. The proportion of animals carrying<unk>  is 66% in cats 75% in dogs.
Campylobacter upsaliensis
Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica
Campylobacter jejuni
Yersinia rohdei
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli
Yersinia enterocolitica
Yersinia aleksiciae