Bordetella hinzii isolated from samples of commercially available raw pet food for cats in the United Kingdom

Raw meat diets for pets are frequently contaminated with potentially pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria. Here we present the first report of Bordetella hinzii, an opportunistic respiratory pathogen in humans, detected in commercially available frozen pre-prepared raw meat diets for cats, purchased from a retailer in the United Kingdom. B. hinzii was isolated from five samples of raw meat diets, from two separate brands. Samples were a single-protein source and comprised, chicken, beef, and rabbit flavours. Whole genome sequencing indicated the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes with potential to confer resistance to multiple drug classes, including classes of highest priority critically important antibiotics. Two B. hinzii isolates carried the plasmid mediated colistin resistance mcr-6.1 gene, a novel finding in this species. Whilst further research surrounding the risks of transmission of B. hinzii is required, this study further highlights the potential public health risks associated with the provision of raw meat diets for pets, particularly for the immunocompromised.