What Your Pet's Feces Can Tell Us About the Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

Responsible pet ownership involves regularly disposing of your pet's waste, which, although unpleasant, can serve a greater purpose. A new initiative by the UK government invites pet owners to send in samples of their animals' feces for testing, aiming to monitor the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs. While it may sound unusual, this approach helps scientists understand how resistant bacteria spread and persist in the environment.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasingly serious concern worldwide. Many bacterial species have developed resistance to antibiotics designed to eliminate them, making standard infections difficult to treat. The World Health Organization emphasizes that antimicrobial resistance ranks among the top global health threats, with over 1.27 million deaths attributed to resistant infections in 2019.

Superbugs are encountered everywhere—on our skin, in our guts, and increasingly, in our pets. These bacteria can be transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact, contaminated food, or even by accidental ingestion when bacteria from pet feces enter our mouths. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterococci are commonly found in both pet and human waste and are capable of causing opportunistic infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Such infections can affect various parts of the body, including urinary tracts, wounds, and bloodstreams, leading to severe health complications.

The connection between pets and antibiotic resistance is significant because pet owners often carry some of these bacteria, which can be transmitted through contact. When pets swallow bacteria—often through contaminated food, licking, or chewing on unsafe objects—they harbor these bacteria in their guts, which are later excreted in their feces.

The small amount of bacteria found in pet feces can easily find their way into humans, particularly if hygiene practices are lax—such as not washing hands after handling pet waste or letting pets lick faces. While most bacteria in the gut are harmless, problems arise if they breach normal barriers and infect other parts of the body, leading to opportunistic infections, which can contribute to serious health risks.

Treatment of these infections typically involves antibiotics, but the presence of resistant strains complicates therapy, often resulting in prolonged illness, increased risk of death, and higher healthcare costs. Therefore, understanding whether pets carry antibiotic-resistant superbugs is crucial for public health.

Monitoring pet feces provides valuable insights into bacterial resistance levels. The UK project is the first of its kind on a national scale, aimed at identifying and tracking resistant bacteria across pet populations over several years. Past research has demonstrated that resistant Escherichia coli is prevalent in dog and puppy feces, especially among those fed raw meat diets. These bacteria often originate from farm animals or contaminated meat, which can harbor resistant bacteria due to antibiotic use during farming. Cooking meat thoroughly usually kills these bacteria, but raw feeding habits pose a higher risk.

Reducing the spread involves simple measures: practicing good hygiene by washing hands after handling pet waste, not allowing pets to lick faces, and feeding pets cooked or kibble-based diets instead of raw meat. Following your veterinarian’s advice on medication and antibiotic use also plays a vital role.

Ultimately, most resistant bacteria in pet feces are acquired from the environment and other humans. Despite the risks, responsible pet care and proper hygiene significantly reduce the chance of transmission. Continued surveillance through initiatives like this will help researchers develop better strategies to combat the spread of superbugs and protect both human and animal health.