CDC Warning – Dog Treats May Be Making You Sick

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a warning to families who have dogs. The special treats you’re feeding your dog may be making your family sick.

The CDC reported last week that in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, an investigation of an outbreak of salmonella across 13 states is linked to contact with pig ear dog treats.

In total, forty-five people across the states of California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin have been infected and undergoing treatment. They are unsure if more states have been inflicted. Twelve of the 45 people have been hospitalized.

CDC conducted interviews with 38 of those infected. 34 of those infected said they had been in contact with a dog before getting sick. Separately, 17 people of the 24 people interviewed reported having contact with pig ear dog treats or with dogs that were fed those treats.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials tested the pig ears for salmonella. A positive identification of some strains in the treats were found. However, there is not clear connection if those are in fact the same strains causing the infection.

The CDC makes the strong recommendation that people always wash their hands when handling pet food or treats. In addition, they advise pet food be stored away from human food, and warns people to never let pets lick mouths, faces or open wounds.