How is Yersinia Spread?
Yersiniosis can occur after eating, drinking or touching something contaminated with Yersinia bacteria. The bacteria must be ingested. The bacteria can also pass from person to person through unwashed hands. The bacteria are passed onto the hands through the feces and if hands are unwashed, the bacteria will be transferred to foods or objects and then passed onto another person. Any raw animal food (meat, poultry, raw milk, fish and shellfish) may carry Yersinia. If these foods are not properly cooked, these bacteria may survive and cause illness when the food is eaten. However, swine is the most important source for Yersinia bacteria. They carry the organism in the backs of their throats. They do not usually have any symptoms so there is no way to tell which pigs carry it. Therefore all pork should be cooked thoroughly. Hands should always be washed after handling livestock. Yersinia can cause illness in some animals, especially puppies and kittens.
