Is Salmon Poisoning Contagious?

Salmon poisoning is a potentially fatal condition seen in dogs who have ingested certain types of raw fish. It is caused by a bacterial infection but the question often arises – is salmon poisoning contagious? Can my dog pass it on to other pets or people? Let’s take a closer look at this disease and its transmission.

What is Salmon Poisoning?

Salmon poisoning occurs when dogs eat raw salmon trout steelhead or other fish infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. This parasite itself does not make dogs sick. However, if the parasite is infected with a bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, it can cause disease in canines.

When an infected fish is eaten, the parasite embeds in the dog’s intestines and releases the bacteria into the bloodstream. The bacteria spreads and causes damage to organs like the liver, lungs, brain and lymph nodes. Dogs usually show symptoms within a week of ingesting infected fish.

Common clinical signs of salmon poisoning include

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Discharge from eyes/nose
• Increased respiratory rate
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures

Without treatment, salmon poisoning is fatal within 14 days in most dogs.

Is Salmon Poisoning Contagious?

Salmon poisoning itself is not contagious. In other words, an infected dog cannot directly transmit the bacterial infection to another dog or person.

However, the parasite and bacteria can be spread through ingestion of raw, infected fish. So in that sense, uncooked fish and fish parts can be a source of “contagion” if another dog or animal eats it.

• Dog to dog contact does not transmit salmon poisoning
• Eating the same infected raw fish source can indirectly spread the parasite/bacteria to a new host

So while the disease is not passed directly between animals, care should be taken to avoid multiple pets consuming potentially infected fish products.

Can Humans Get Salmon Poisoning?

No, salmon poisoning only affects canines. The Nanophyetus salmincola parasite does not mature or reproduce in human intestines.

People may experience mild stomach upset after eating infected fish, but the Neorickettsia helminthoeca bacteria does not circulate in the human body or cause systemic illness like it does in dogs.

So while humans do not have to worry about contracting salmon poisoning from dogs, other potential illnesses can arise from ingesting raw or undercooked fish. Safe food handling practices are advised when preparing fish for human consumption.

Preventing Spread to Other Pets

If one dog is diagnosed with salmon poisoning, care should be taken to avoid spread to other household pets. Some tips include:

• Strictly supervise dogs near streams, lakes or fishing areas to prevent scavenging infected fish
• Dispose of any leftover fish entrails or parts in secure, covered trash receptacles
• Keep dogs away from the feces of infected animals
• Cook fish thoroughly before feeding it to pets
• Feed pets commercially processed food and treats instead of raw fish
• Avoid leaving fish bait or tackle where dogs can access it
• Carefully clean up any vomit or diarrhea from a sick dog promptly
• Take all pets to the vet for stool tests and deworming if salmon poisoning is suspected

With vigilance, the bacteria and parasite can be limited from spreading through the raw fish source to additional pets.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If a dog shows symptoms of salmon poisoning, prompt veterinary care is vital. The vet will run tests on blood, stool and enlarged lymph nodes to detect the parasite eggs or bacterial DNA.

Treatment involves:

• Antibiotics like doxycycline to kill the Neorickettsia bacteria
• Deworming medication like praziquantel to kill the Nanophyetus parasites
• Intravenous fluids and supportive care if needed

When treated early, most dogs will make a full recovery. But delayed treatment can lead to fatal complications. Always contact your veterinarian if salmon poisoning is suspected.

Prevention

Since salmon poisoning can be difficult to cure and is often fatal without treatment, prevention is critical. Here are some tips for protecting dogs:

• Do not allow access to raw fish from streams, lakes or the ocean
• Cook fish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F before feeding
• Freeze fish for at least 2 weeks to kill parasites before giving it to dogs
• Prevent hunting/scavenging of rodents who may have eaten infected fish
• Keep dogs on leashes in potential high risk areas like the Pacific Northwest
• Ask your vet about the Nanophyetus vaccine (not 100% protective but can reduce severity of infection)
• Deworm dogs regularly, especially if they hunt prey or eat raw meat

By understanding what salmon poisoning is, how it spreads, and how to prevent it, pet owners can help keep their beloved canine companions safe. Be vigilant when dogs are around fresh fish sources and always cook fish thoroughly before feeding. With proper care, your dog can continue to live a long and happy life free from this dangerous disease.

No, salmon poisoning disease in dogs is not directly contagious from one dog to another. The disease is caused by a Neorickettsia bacteria carried by a parasitic fluke, which is found in raw or undercooked salmon, trout, and other freshwater fish.