⚠️ Pet Food Safety Alert! ⚠️
Pet Food Safety Alert: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food
As of November 1, 2023, health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health officials across several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM), are actively probing a multistate Salmonella Kiambu outbreak associated with Dry Dog Food. The outbreak has affected seven states (AL, CA, FL, HI, KY, MN, and OK), with a total of 7 reported cases as of the mentioned date. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, but one person did require hospitalization. The illnesses trace back to a timeline ranging from January 14, 2023, to August 19, 2023.
The primary mode of transmission appears to be through contact with the contaminated dog food, dog bowls containing the product, or the feces and saliva of dogs who consumed the affected food. Notably, infants represent the majority of affected individuals.
Epidemiological and laboratory analyses point to a specific lot of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food as the source of the contamination. Manufacturer Mid America Pet Food has subsequently issued a recall for this particular lot and all other pet food brands they produce. Ongoing investigations aim to identify any additional products that might pose a risk.
Recalls have been issued for specific lots of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus and Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula. The affected products include 5-pound, 15-pound, and 40-pound bags with specific lot numbers and best-by dates.
On November 9, Mid America Pet Food expanded the recall to include all brands they manufacture. Affected products encompass various dog and cat foods, with best-by dates before October 31, 2024, under brands such as Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet food, and Member’s Mark. Bag sizes range from 5 pounds to 50 pounds.
The CDC advises pet owners to dispose of the recalled pet food safely, ensuring it is secured to prevent wildlife access. Children should not handle the recalled pet food, and it should not be fed to pets or other animals. Additionally, pet-related items like bowls that may have come into contact with the tainted food should be thoroughly cleaned.
If a pet exhibits symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, or decreased activity after consuming the recalled pet food, owners should seek veterinary care. Individuals experiencing severe Salmonella symptoms, such as prolonged diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or dizziness upon standing, are urged to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
In the event of experiencing Salmonella symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, individuals are encouraged to report it promptly. Timely reporting aids in early outbreak detection and resolution, preventing further harm and enabling more effective surveillance. If symptoms persist, medical attention should be sought.
[Source: CDC.gov]
