November 7: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a rare strain of salmonella found in pet food sickened an additional eight people this year.
The first cases of sickness caused by salmonella exposure were in 2006. Since that time, there were 79 people who have been sick due to exposure to pet food that was contaminated with salmonella.
Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, CDC epidemiologist said that "in 2008, we have identified eight additional cases."
Although the cases started in 2006, CDC said that “dry pet food has a 1-year shelf life. Contaminated products identified in recalls might still be in the homes of purchasers and could cause illness. Persons who have these products should not use them to feed their pets but should discard them or return them to the store.”
Dr. Behravesh reported that they “have been following an outbreak of illness due to a specific strain of salmonella. And in 2007, we linked those human illnesses with contaminated pet food produced at one Pennsylvania pet food plant.”
The pet food brands that are found to be contaminated with Salmonella schwarzengrund are Special Kitty, Pedigree and Member’s Mark, which are manufactured by Mars Petcare.
In September, Mars Petcare announced that they have already closed down their plant in Everson, Pa. where the pet foods are made.
A report made by the CDC stated: "Consumers and health departments should be aware that all dry pet food, pet treats, and pet supplements might be contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella, and consumers should use precautions with all brands of dry pet food, treats, and supplements. In contrast, canned pet food is unlikely to be contaminated with such pathogens because the manufacturing process should eliminate bacterial contamination."
CDC also informed people to take the necessary precautions when handling dry pet foods, pet treats and pet supplements. Some of these precautions are:
- Practice hand washing right after handling pet foods, treats and supplements and animal feces. Wash your hands using warm water and soap.
- Do not let infants near feeding places for pets.
- Do not let children below 5 years old to touch or eat pet foods, treats and supplements.
Post new comment