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Posts tagged "salmonella"


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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning pet owners not to feed their dogs Merrick Beef Filet Squares after routine tests detected salmonella in the treats.

Tests conducted in December first showed evidence of salmonella in the dog treats produced by Merrick Pet Care. Follow-up inspections found problems with both the manufacture and packaging of the snacks, the FDA reports. Yesterday, the agency issued a warning recommending dog owners steer clear of the Beef Filet Squares with a package date reading "Best By 111911."

Dogs that contract salmonella infections can be sluggish and suffer from diarrhea, vomiting and fever, though some infected pets may only experience a decreased appetite. Humans are also susceptible to the illness, and could become infected if they don't wash their hands thoroughly after handling the infected treat, the FDA warns.

So far, no illnesses linked to the treats have been reported in dogs or humans. If you or your dog experience symptoms of salmonella, contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately.
    

Handle me with care! Reggie35/Flickr


Thinking about adopting a pet turtle? The shelled reptiles now come with a warning. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that 107 people became ill with salmonella in 2007 and 2008 after coming into contact with turtles, Yahoo News reports.

Salmonella cases linked to turtles occurred in 34 states. Fortunately no one died from the illness, but a third of the infected people had to be hospitalized, according to Yahoo News.

Most people associate salmonella infections with contaminated foods (like the tainted peanut butter that caused an outbreak last January). But many pet owners don't realize that the disease also occurs naturally in turtles, reports the CDC. The reptiles can carry the salmonella without getting sick or showing any signs of infection -- and the bacteria can easily spread to people who handle the animals.
    

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