Recent news posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked a 14 person Salmonella Infantis outbreak to dry dog food. The possible source of the dog food is Diamond Pet Foods operating out of South Carolina. Nine states have reported victims including Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The initial reported illness occurred on October 8, 2011 and the most recent was reported on April 22, 2012. And while over three quarters of the victims were women, only five have been hospitalized. The CDC has reported recalls of certain packages of Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice, Diamond Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula, and Diamond Puppy Formula. Additional information on these recalls can be found on the Food and Drug Administration’s recall website.
Pet owners can come in contact with Salmonella bacteria from their pet’s food source or from the pet themselves. Salmonella bacteria can cause gastrointestinal problems for both humans and their animal companions. Cross contamination with other food is also a possibility if the bacteria travels from the pet food source into one’s kitchen. Any recalled dog food suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella bacteria should be immediately thrown away.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
