Humans are now facing a possible dog food contamination that may be causing an increased risk of Salmonella outbreaks. This link between dog food and human contraction of salmonella is the first of its kind.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the link between human illness and dog food contamination may be greater than once thought. This is especially important for children in the household who are more susceptible to the salmonella.
While there have been previously reported cases of human contracting salmonella from dog food treats, this finding is the first linked directly to dry dog food. Researchers are still looking for the route of the salmonella and have little or no idea how the salmonella infected the dog food.
Between the years of 2006 and 2007 there were a total of 60 cases of reported salmonella cases with dog food as the culprit. Of the 60 cases, more than 50% were infants who were infected. The Northeast United States including Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio were the states with the most reported cases totally 45 in all.
The effects of salmonella on the human body varies based on age and
Immune system response. Of the 60 reported cases between 2006 and 2007 the most common symptoms included loose bloody stools.
While no pets showed any symptoms of salmonella
Infection, the stool samples and dog food samples both tested positive for strains of salmonella.
All of the pet food involved was linked to the Mars Petcare company and while they did choose to recall two forms of dog food, none of the specific brands that tested positive for salmonella were recalled due to human infection.
When salmonella enters the body, the infection begins to show signs of symptoms within the first 12 hours. The most common related symptoms include
Diarrhea,
Fever and cramps in the abdominal area. These symptoms often last a maximum of 7 days, but during those 7 days, the symptoms (depending on the level of infection and immune system response) may be sever enough to constitute hospitalization and, in few cases, death can occur.
The CDC believes the contamination of pet food may be much more common than once thought and suggests all dog owners wash their hands thoroughly after placing dog food out for a pet. It is also advisable to keep pet food away from infants who may place the dog food into their mouths.
