Salmonella tainted pet treats: a potential hazard to both humans and dogs alike

November 7, 7:12 PMInfectious Disease ExaminerRobert Herriman

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Salmonella can cause illness in pets as well as humans
Jana Kollarova

The most recent announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning pet treats manufactured by California based Pet Carousel is that they may be contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella.

The health alert is issued for the following products: Pig Ears and Beef Hooves. During routine testing by the FDA on the pig ears, Salmonella was detected. Additional follow up testing revealed the bacteria also in the beef hooves and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella is a pathogen to both humans and animals. The risk for humans handling the contaminated dog treats is if poor hand washing techniques are performed or surfaces in contact with the dog treats are not properly cleaned.

In humans, Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Pets, including dogs, with Salmonella can become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. The clinical features of canine salmonellosis vary on strain, amount ingested and dog host factors.

Many dogs however are asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria and may shed Salmonella for up to 100 days after getting infected. This can become a risk for family members and anyone with confirmed salmonellosis without a known risk of exposure, the family pet should be tested regardless of symptoms.

The affected products include brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel for pig ear products and Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel for affected beef hooves.

If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms and ate these products, consult your veterinarian.