California Salmonella Case Possibly Linked To Pig Ear Dog Treats

CALIFORNIA — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control are cautioning pet owners that the treats some people give their dogs could be making their families sick. The CDC and FDA are investigating an outbreak of salmonella spanning 13 states, including California, and believe contact with pig ear dog treats is the likely source of the outbreak.

Nationwide, there have been 45 reports of illness, including one report in California. A dozen people have been hospitalized, and the CDC reports that in the majority of cases for which information is available, patients reported having contact with pig ear dog treats or have dogs that were given pig ear treats.

Health officials interviewed 38 people who were sickened with salmonella, and 34 reported contact with a dog before getting sick. No deaths have been reported.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued a consumer advisory for pig ears sold in bulk and advised customers who purchased bulk pig ears to consider avoiding giving them to their pets and discarding them.

A common supplier of the pig ears has not yet been identified. MDARD says it is working cooperatively with the FDA and CDC investigating potential salmonella contamination.

So far, Iowa is the hardest hit by the salmonella outbreak, with 12 reported cases. Michigan has reported seven cases.

The CDC offered these tips for pet owners:

• Tips to stay healthy while feeding your dog
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after handling pet food or treats, including pig ears.
  • When possible, store pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and away from the reach of young children.
  • Don't use your pet's feeding bowl to scoop food. Use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon, or cup.
  • Always follow any storage instructions on pet food bags or containers.
• Play safely
  • Don't let your pet lick your mouth or face after it eats pet food or treats.
  • Don't let your pet lick any open wounds or areas with broken skin.
  • If you do play with your pet after it has just eaten, wash your hands and any part of your body it licked with soap and water.
• Shop safely
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching unpackaged pet treats, such as food or treats in bulk bins.
• Take extra care around young children
  • Children younger than 5 years old should not touch or eat pet food or treats.
  • Young children are at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.
  • Adults should supervise hand washing for young children
• How do I know if my dog has Salmonella infection?
  • Some dogs may have Salmonella infection but may not look sick. Dogs with a Salmonella infection usually have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more tired than usual, and may have a fever or vomit.
  • If your dog or cat has these signs of illness or you are concerned that your pet may have Salmonella infection, please contact your pet's veterinarian.

— Patch editors Shannon Antinori and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

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