In January 2009, many humans got sick with salmonella from tainted peanut butter that was used to manufacture crackers and other products.
The salmonella-tainted peanut butter products have since been traced to the Peanut Corporation of America, which supplies peanut paste, peanut butter and other similar products to food manufacturers and other industrial clients.
But it's not just humans that are affected by this salmonella-related peanut butter recall; dog owners, cat owners and other pet owners are being cautioned that pets may contract salmonella from foods containing tainted peanut butter or other peanut-based ingredients.
Pet Owners Advised to Discontinue Use of Pet Treats Containing Peanut Butter and Peanut Ingredients
The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has issued a warning to pet owners, who are advised to stop using any dog treats, dog foods or any other pet food products that contain peanuts until further notice.
“The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received,” explained ASPCA Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services Dr. Steven Hansen.
Hansen added, “Pet parents should wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated food and immediately consult with a veterinarian if any signs or symptoms are noticed in their pets.”
The FDA Adds Pet Treats and Pet Food to the List of Salmonella Tainted Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since added pet foods and pet treats to the list of recalled and possibly salmonella-tainted peanut products.
Included on this list is a pet food peanut paste, sold under the name of Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride. This paste is reportedly used by pet food manufacturers to make commercially-sold dog treats. Thus far, only one brand of pet treats has been officially recalled - Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits, sold at PetSmart stores.
PetSmart Recalls Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits
Among the pet treats recalled are PetSmart's Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits, sold between August 21, 2008 and January 29, 2009.
The following dog treats have been recalled:
- Small Assorted 32 oz. - UPC 73725702900
- Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb. - UPC 73725700601
- Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb. - UPC 73725700605
- Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb. - UPC 73725702755
- Large Assorted 8 lb. - UPC 73725700638
- Extra Large Assorted 8 lb. - UPC 73725700779
- Peanut Butter 4 lb. - UPC 73725700766
Any customer that purchased these treats is urged to return the tainted dog biscuits for a refund or exchange.
Additional information on the recalled pet treats is available by calling the PetSmart Customer Service Hotline at 1-888-839-9638.
What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella in a Dog, Cat or Other Pet?
The symptoms of salmonella in dogs, cats and other pets typically arise about 72 hours after exposure to the salmonella-tainted food or secondary exposure to the salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of salmonella in cats and dogs include:
- Vomiting (often with blood in the vomit)
- Diarrhea (often with blood present)
- Fever
- A refusal to eat
- Gurgling and bubbling sounds in the abdomen
- Lethargy
- Dehydration, often severe
- Drooling and panting (often a sign of nausea and/or pain in dogs and cats)
In a minority of cases, dogs and cats can experience symptoms such as arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness, urinary tract abnormalities that can lead to straining and frequent urination, along with redness and swelling involving the eyes.
Salmonella is unusual in that it is one of the few illnesses that can be transmitted between humans and pets. So if a human is sick with salmonella, special precautions like frequent hand washing should be taken to avoid sickening pets and vice versa.
Where Can I Learn More About Pet Food Recalls and Salmonella in Pets?
The Pet Food Recall Page has a wealth of resources on recent pet food recalls.
The Pet Health Blog has information on how pet owners can stay informed about the latest pet food recalls.
Visit the Pet Food Recall Page for information including the Pedigree Dog Food Recall of late 2008, and salmonella and the symptoms of salmonella in pets.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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