Salmonella a Danger to Both Pets and Humans
Several new rounds of pet food recalls because of possible salmonella exposure are
raising questions among pet owners about the dangers and symptoms of salmonella, and the connection between the disease in pets and humans.
Recent recalls include:
Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats, Sept. 3, 2010 The Hartz Mountain Corp. is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated withSalmonella.
Iams Indoor Weight Control with Hairball Care, Aug. 31, 2010 - Procter & Gamble recalls a small amount of dry cat food for possible salmonella contamination
Beef Filet Squares and Texas Hold'ems, Aug. 13, 2010 - Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas recalls all lots of its 10 oz "Beef Filet Squares" for Dogs and "Texas Hold'ems" pet treats because of possible salmonella infection.
In the summer of 2008, there were widespread recalls, not only of pet food, but of many human foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Aside from the obvious risks to your pet, another major reason for concern is that salmonella is one of the diseases that can be shared between animals and humans. And while a healthy adult can often shake off a case of salmonella infection and its flu-like symptoms, it can be serious, even lethal, to young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Infected creatures can slough off the organism, allowing it to infect other animals and humans. Even handling infected food or pet treats can expose a person to the disease, which is also easily passed along through waste. And almost any animal can be a carrier for salmonella, including most reptiles such as snakes and turtles and most famously birds. Eggs and poultry is often contaminated with salmonella, and they must be cooked properly to avoid contamination.
The recalls, then, aren't just for your pet's health, but for the pet owners and families.
What are the symptoms?
In both humans and animals, salmonella symptoms may include a combination of these, developing over two to three days:
Vomiting (sometimes with blood present)
Nausea
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood present)
Dehydration
Fever
Hypoglycemia
Lethargy
Stomach Gurgling / abdominal pain
Refusing to Eat/Drink
People with these symptoms should seek medical care immediately, and stricken pets should get veterinary care, according to Dr. Michael Becker, founder of
Becker Animal Hospital and Pet Resort in San Antonio.
"Salmonella can be life-threatening for a variety of reasons," Dr. Becker said, noting that in both humans and animals, the infection can lead to more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Pet experts say that in most cases in healthy pets, the disease will run its course with little intervention in about a week. But during that week, the pet can lose life-threatening amounts of fluid. So the treatment normally consists of keeping the pet's fluid and nutrient levels up. In some severe cases, or where the salmonella has brought on secondary infections, the pet may be treated with antibiotics.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical. If an animal has symptoms, and they are getting worse after 18 hours, and not improving after 24, they should be taken to the vet.
Salmonella a Danger to Both Pets and Humans
By: Jon Donley
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