An outbreak of salmonella strikes up brands of pet food



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A long epidemic of drug resistance Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products also appears in pet food that has sickened at least three people, including two children.

At the end of January, Woody's Deli Pet Food recalled raw foods for dogs and cats, after a human case of salmonella was associated with products sold in Minneapolis-St. . Paul and Woodbury, Minnesota. The Salmonella Infected Person was identified as part of an ongoing federal investigation and was living in a home with a domestic animal fed regularly with Woody's raw turkey-based pet food. Pet Deli, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Woody's did not respond to a request for comment.

Woody's is not the first pet food brand affected by the salmonella epidemic linked to turkey. Last year, two kids from Twin Cities Metropolitan Area became ill after feeding pets at home with raw pet ground turkey from Raws for Paws, based in Minneapolis. One of the children was thus treated bone infection, said state officials.

As a result of these diseases, Raws for Paws in early 2018 recalled 4,000 pounds of raw turkey pet food sold in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, as well as by mail order.

"The handling of contaminated products poses a risk to humans, particularly if they have not washed their hands well after coming into contact with products or surfaces exposed to these products," said the Food and Drug Administration. Drug Administration.

In total, more than 350 people in the United States and Canada have been affected by the particular strain of the bacteria, most after consuming turkey for humans, according to government health officials.

CDC: "Many brands" potentially concerned

The epidemic strain may be present in many facilities and suppliers, according to the US Center for Disease Control, noting that "many brands and types of foods containing raw turkey could be affected",

Hormel's subsidiary, Jennie-O, was the first brand related to the outbreak, but the particular strain of Salmonella Reading has also been found in live turkeys and raw pet foods, " stating that this could be prevalent in the turkey industry, "said the CDC in an update on Friday.

The CDC and the FDA are investigating the outbreak that first reported in November 2017. The most recent disease was reported at the end of January 2019. The CDC has 279 cases in 41 states and in the District of Columbia, with 107 hospitalizations and one death.

What is behind the increase in foodborne illness?

The same genetic strain of salmonella is also making Canada sick, where public health officials have been investigating 72 diseases since 2017 and up until January. "The epidemic appears to be continuing," said the Public Health Agency of Canada in an advisory.

The illnesses have pushed Jennie-O to remember a 164,000 additional pounds of chopped turkey at the end of December, following the recall of 90,000 pounds of turkeys added the previous month.

Tips for handling raw meat

When feeding pet foods that have not been cooked or otherwise treated to eliminate pathogens, consumers should "be aware of the potential risks to their household" and Following food safety practices, Dana Brooks, President and CEO of the Pet Food Institute, a commercial group industry, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The CDC does not recommend feeding pets with a raw meat diet, as this can make animals and people sick. That said, if you choose to use pet food containing raw meat, here are the tips from the agency:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water just after handling raw pet food
  • Clean and disinfect all surfaces affected by raw foods, such as counters, microwaves and refrigerators, as well as items such as knives, forks and bowls.
  • Freeze raw foods until you are ready to use them
  • Keep raw pet foods away from other foods in your refrigerator or freezer.
  • Do not thaw frozen raw food for pets on a counter or in a sink
  • Discard any food your pet does not eat
  • Do not let your pet lick your mouth and face after eating
  • If you play with your pet after eating, wash your hands and any other part of your body with water and soap
  • Do not let your pet lick a lot of your open sores or broken skin areas
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