By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
A study released today linked for the first time an outbreak of salmonella in people -- especially young children -- with dry dog and cat foods.
The analysis published in Pediatrics magazine warned that salmonella-tainted pet food could be an under-recognized source of human infections -- especially in children two and younger -- and highlighted the importance of proper handling and storage of dog and cat foods and treats to prevent illnesses in people.
In the study, researchers investigated a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund in people from January 1, 2006 through October 31, 2008. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning and other serious illnesses.
The outbreak infected 79 people in 21 states during that 3-year-period, the reports stated, citing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Nearly half the people infected with salmonella -- some 48% -- were children ages two and younger, according to the report.
Plant X=Mars
The study didnt identify the pet food manufacturer linked to the outbreak only identifying it as Plant X.
The report, however, said the manufacturer suspended operations at one of its plants during 2007 and permanently closed that facility in October 2008 because of repeated concerns about Salmonella Schwarzengrund contamination.
Using those clues, it didnt take ConsumerAffairs.com long to find information on the CDCs Web site that linked the source of those outbreaks with dry pet food produced at a Mars Petcare US manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania.
Additional information on the CDCs Web site further detailed the multi state salmonella outbreak, linked the infections to dry pet food made at Mars Everson, Pennsylvania, facility, and confirmed the pet food maker announced in October 2008 that it was permanently closing that plant.
Mars told the Associated Press that is has improved its training and testing practices at its other U.S. plants since this outbreak occurred.
First documented outbreak
Researchers said todays study is significant because its the first documented outbreak of human illness linked to dry dog and cat food.
This investigation demonstrated that dry pet food may be contaminated with Salmonella and raises concerns that such contamination could be an under recognized source of human infections, especially in young children, the report stated. This outbreak highlights the importance of proper handling and storage of pet foods in the home to prevent human illness, especially among young children.
The report added: Consumers and health care professionals, including pediatricians, veterinarians, and health-department personnel, should be aware that any dry pet food, pet treats, and pet supplements might be contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella.
Meanwhile, problems with salmonella contamination in pet food, treats, and other products continue.
Consider some of the salmonella-related recalls issued just this summer:
• In June, http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/06/natural_balance.html#ixzz0w7FqeHck Natural Balance pulled some of its Sweet Potato & Chicken dry dog food off the market because of possible salmonella contamination;
• United Pet Group pulled some its vitamins for dogs off the market in June because of salmonella concerns;
• In August, Merrick Pet Care expanded its recall of beef flavored treats because of ongoing concerns about salmonella contamination;
• Also in August, the Procter & Gamble Company expanded its recall of some specialized dry pet foods -- including Iams and Eukanuba -- because of possible salmonella contamination.
Todays study emphasized the importance of proper handling and storage of pet food and other items to prevent the spread of salmonella to humans, including:
• Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after touching, handling, or feeding pets;
• Washing hands before preparing food and eating;
• Keeping infants and young children away from areas where pets are fed;
• Not allowing children 5 or younger to touch or eat pet food, treats, or supplements;
• Keeping pets water and feeding bowls clean;
• Not cleaning animal housing, food or water dishes, or other materials associated with animals in kitchen sinks or bathtubs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) often warns pet owners they can become infected with salmonella if they handle any tainted food, especially if they dont wash their hands after touching surfaced exposed to the products.
Symptoms of salmonella infections in healthy people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, the FDA said. In rare cases, salmonella can cause arterial infections, arthritis, muscle pain, and other serious health problems.
Pets with salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain, the FDA said. If the infections are not treated, pets can become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
The FDA also warned that infected -- but otherwise healthy -- pets can spread salmonella to other animals or people.
Consumers with dogs or cats that have eaten salmonella-tainted products should contact their veterinarians if their pets experience any of these symptoms, the FDA said.
