14 cases of salmonella poisoning linked to dog food
Diamond Pet Foods has expanded a recall of several brands of dry pet food that have been linked to salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The company is pulling a totally of nine brands of Diamond dog food off the shelves after several of its brands were linked to an outbreak of a rare strain of salmonella poisoning that infected at least 14 people in nine states.
Originally, Diamond dog food pulled three brands off of shelves in April. The additional brands have been recalled as a precaution and have not tested positive for salmonella, according to a statement issued by the company.
The products were distributed in 16 states, mostly along the East Coast and Canada. Cases were reported in Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Diamond dog food first started pulling brands produced at a South Carolina plant after salmonella infections were reported from October 2011 to April of this year and five people were hospitalized.
The salmonella cases were found in humans who may have had contact with dogs or dog foods prior to their illness. Seven of 10 people affected said they had contact with a dog the week before becoming sick, and five of the sick people recalled the type of dog food with which they had contact, according to the CDC.
Individuals can become infected with salmonella simply by handling dry pet food, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to the product. Possible signs and symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and blood in stool.
Pets with salmonella may exhibit similar symptoms, including decreased appetite, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. If your has consumed the recalled Diamond dog food and has these symptoms, contact your vet.
Consumers can visit diamondpetrecall.com for a complete list of the recalled Diamond dog foods.
