Common Dog Treat Linked to Salmonella Outbreak That Has Sickened 45 People, CDC Says

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning dog owners to beware of the kind of dog treats they’re giving their pets, as the agency investigates a salmonella outbreak spanning 13 states.

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administrationannounced the investigationon Wednesday, singling out pig ear dog treats as the common source of contact for the salmonella infection.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken samples of the dog treats in question and identified some strains of the salmonella bacteria, however, officials from the health department say it is still unclear if those particular strains are responsible for causing the outbreak.

Humans typically contract salmonella from contact with contaminated food or water and it affects the intestinal tract, causing symptoms ranging from severe stomach pain and cramps to a fever.

The CDC suggests that people wash their hands after coming into contact with pet food and treats, as well as avoiding contact with their pet’s mouths.

The health agencyreportsthat salmonella causes approximately 1.2 million illnesses, with 23,000 requiring hospitalization.

source: people.com