Public Health Advisory
(Distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services)

Date: 7/17/2006

Subject: Human Salmonellosis Associated with Animal-Derived Pet Treats - United States and Canada, 2005

Investigations by U.S. and Canadian public health officials have shown nine culture-confirmed human Salmonella infections associated with handling pet treats of beef and seafood origin. Animal-derived pet treats, such as PIG EARS, are manufactured from raw animal tissues that are cut into shapes, dehydrated and packaged for distribution without being cooked. Evidence suggests that the dehydration procedure might not be effective at eliminating the Salmonella organism. These products are often contaminated with Salmonella and have been associated with previous outbreaks of human Salmonella infections. Aside from direct contact with contaminated pet treats, transmission of Salmonella to humans might also occur indirectly, through infection in pets. Pets consuming contaminated treats may become colonized with Salmonella but remain asymptomatic, thus becoming unrecognized sources of contamination in the household. Young children, older adults or immunocompromised persons in such households might have a higher risk for severe illness from Salmonella infection.

Pet treat manufacturers, retailers, health-care providers, public health authorities, veterinarians, and consumers should be aware of the potential for animal-derived pet treats to serve as a source of Salmonella-related illness in humans. Public health authorities and medical care providers should routinely consider this possibility during their investigations of cases or outbreaks of human salmonellosis.

Veterinarians should be cognizant that animal-derived pet treats could be a source of salmonellosis in pets and their owners and provide information to owners about the potential health risks and salmonellosis prevention as follows:

* Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animal-derived pet treats and after contact with fecal material.

*Veterinarians should question owners of pets presenting with diarrhea as to whether these types of pet treats have been fed to the pets: if yes, consideration should be given to culturing the animal for Salmonella. Ask pet owners to hold the implicated treats for potential follow-up testing if the animal is salmonella positive. If the owner or other residents in the household report gastro-intestinal illness, they should be referred for medical care.

*Person at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis (e.g., children aged 5 years, older adults, and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with animal-derived pet treats.