Article by Dr. Zoe Forward & Dr. Elizabeth Broel
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has received over 5,000 complaints of possible Salmonella infection in pets that ate
sweet potato, chicken, or duck jerky treats from China since 2007. As of May 16, 2014, the FDA has received
complaints affecting over 5,600 dogs, resulting in at least 1,000 dog deaths. Additionally, 24 cats and three people have
reportedly been infected from the contaminated treats. While the FDA is actively investigating and
testing treats, authorities have not yet identified the source of the Salmonella contamination and are not
releasing brands of treats that may be affected. In the process of testing treats for Salmonella contamination, authorities
have also identified a drug called amantadine in many treats containing
chicken. Amantadine is a drug used to
treat viruses in humans and pain in companion animals, but is illegal for use
in poultry.
Salmonella is a bacterial disease that is considered zoonotic,
meaning it is contagious between animals and humans. Salmonella
infections are typically associated with eating contaminated or undercooked
food, and can cause gastrointestinal disease including diarrhea, fever,
decreased appetite, dehydration. In some
cases Salmonella infections can cause
kidney disease, or in severe cases death.
Pet owners, especially children, the elderly, and individuals who are
immunocompromised, can be infected by contaminated treats either through direct
contact with the treat or through contact with the feces of an infected
animal. Pets that ingest contaminated
foods or treats will develop symptoms in 1-3 days, meaning some pets can appear
healthy and still carry Salmonella
germs. Pet owners can greatly decrease
their risk of Salmonella infection by
thoroughly washing hands after handling any pet, pet food or pet treat, and
washing all pet food and water bowls with soap and water after each use.
Animals with
suspected Salmonella infection or
exposure should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Pet owners with possible exposure or
infection should visit their healthcare provider as soon as possible. The FDA is working closely with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private veterinarians to identify
cases of Salmonella related to the
jerky treats, but officials warn that manufacturers are not required to label
the country of origin for each individual ingredient in their product. Treats can contain products originating from
other countries, including China, even if not listed on the label. Because pet jerky treats are not required as
part of a pet’s balanced diet, pet owners are urged to consult their
veterinarian before feeding treats to their pets.
For more information about Salmonella, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html
and http://www.cdc.gov/features/salmonelladrypetfood/.
FDA information about jerky treats can be found
at http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/PetFood/default.htm
and http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/default.htm. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a contaminated treat and need to report a pet food complaint to the FDA, visit http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/reportaproblem/ucm182403.htm
