NEW YORK (CBS 2) — For the first time, an FDA report has linked a salmonella outbreak in humans to dry pet food. As CBS 2′s Mary Calvi reports, many of those with the illness were young children.
Between 2006 and 2008, the outbreak sickened 79 people in 21 mostly eastern states. Nearly half of those victims were children two and under.
Salmonella bacteria was traced back to ingredients used in several brands of dry dog and cat food, including Pedigree and Special Kitty, to a Mars Petcare plant in Pennsylvania.
The pet food was recalled and the plant permanently shut down.
While young children were most often affected, it turns out it wasn’t from eating pet food.
“Kids under two years of age did it by cross contamination through the hands, primarily through care givers and the area in the home,” said Dr. O. Alton Barron of Roosevelt Hospital.
The bottom line for pet owners: wash your hands after contact with your cat or dog, their pet food and pet bowls. Clean and disinfect pet bowls, and keep kids under age five away from pet food and feeding areas.
So far, there have been no known cases of human salmonella linked with wet pet food.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/...risk-for-kids/
Symptoms of Salmonella in Dogs and Cats
A combination of the following symptoms typically arises about 72 hours following exposure. It should be noted that while an array of symptoms can be present in salmonellosis sufferers, digestive upset is virtually always present to some degree.
•Vomiting (often with blood in the vomit)
•Diarrhea (often with blood present)
•Fever
•A refusal to eat
•Gurgling and bubbling sounds in the abdomen
•Lethargy
•Dehydration, often severe
•Drooling and panting (often a sign of nausea and/or pain in dogs and cats)
In a minority of cases, dogs and cats can experience symptoms such as arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness, urinary tract abnormalities that can lead to straining and frequent urination, along with redness and swelling involving the eyes.
Read more at Suite101: Salmonella in Cats and Dogs: This Bacteria Causes Vomiting, Diarrhea and Fever
http://petcare.suite101.com/article....#ixzz0w7uPj9HW