food for thought..... should humans and their companions worry about food chain safety?
A rare strain of Salmonella has been identified at Diamond Pet Foods Plant in Gaston, S.C.
Interesting to note that so far 14 people have been fallen ill. That is correct, 14 people not pets! Pets are less likely to get sick from Salmonella according to Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, Veterinary Epidemiologist and leader of the response team investigating the contamination.
It seems that only one manufacturing plant is affected, but this particular plant produces quite a few different brands of dry dog and cat food. The brands being investigated are Diamond, Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, Canidae, Natural Balance, Apex Pet Foods and Kirkland.
Pet owners are being warned to wash your hands after handling pet food, beware of big wet sloppy kisses right after a meal, watch out for excreted feces, and pets that groom themselves can pass along bugs from their saliva when a family member touches them. Symptoms of infection in people and pets are similar such as nausea, vomiting, chills and fever, cramps, and diarrhea.
My family always play a silly game with me called "Poison". The idea of the game is they run around yelling "poison, poison" and I try and catch them. Whenever I get close they scream ewwww and try not to let me touch them! It is really a fun game but now it has a whole new meaning.....
So why does this happen. Dry pet food is susceptible to bacteria because it is very rich in protein, and treated with flavoring. The flavoring is often where the contamination occurs. West Lebanon Feed and Supply is our areas largest pet food retailer, and you can find a lot of helpful information and advice on their website about all the foods that are being recalled. The people at WLFS can help you find an alternative diet during this scary time, don't hesitate to stop in at 12 Railroad Ave., West Lebanon or give them a call at 603-298-8600.
To get more information and find out how to report suspected pet food related illnesses, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Diamond's official recall website is Diamond Pet Food Recall, and they have listed production codes for those foods suspected of contamination. They can be reached for questions at 866-918-8756. They also show a map of the U.S. and where the pet food has been distributed. Our area is listed.
tata for now!
tata for now!
