Public health agency hopes to identify source of salmonella outbreak linked to dog food

An outbreak of salmonella infections has been linked to dog food and treats, with nearly half the recorded cases being in Alberta. Brenden Purdy reports.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said it is hoping to identify the source of salmonella outbreaks in Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Northwest Territories.

So far, the agency said the 27 illnesses are connected to dog food and treats, but the brand and type has yet to be determined.

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“Through the investigation, we have identified exposure to dog food and dog treats as the likely cause of these illnesses,” said April Hexemer, director of the outbreak management division at PHAC. “We are investigating all of the potential sources, but at this time, we don’t have a specific brand that is causing these illnesses.”

She said dog food and treats can be contaminated with bacteria, including salmonella, and can spread through handling the product and touching other things like human food, your face, and other surfaces.

“It’s very important to always wash your hands thoroughly after you handle these products,” said Hexemer.

Bacteria can also be spread through touching a dog, even if the animal doesn’t show symptoms of salmonella.

Symptoms of salmonella include chills, a fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and a sudden headache. Most symptoms end within four to seven days.

People infected with salmonella can spread it to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, and people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk for serious illness.

The 27 laboratory-confirmed cases occurred between mid-February and mid-August of this year.

Alberta has the highest number of reported illnesses with 13 cases. B.C. has 12 cases, while Ontario and Northwest Territories each have one reported illness.

PHAC said the actual number of sick people in the country is likely much higher as many people have mild symptoms and do not seek medical treatment. Researchers estimate that for each case of salmonella reported, there are 26 more cases not reported.

“We have been seeing more cases reported in recent weeks and months than were reported earlier in the year,” said Hexemer.

To reduce the risk of infection, PHAC is advising people to:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling any type of dog food or treat.
• Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching dogs or their food.
• Wash and sanitize containers, utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with dog food before using them again.
• Use dedicated dishes and utensils to serve your dog and wash them separately from other dishes.
• Store dog food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and out of reach from children. Pick up food and treat containers when your pet is finished with them.
• Follow storage instructions found on the packaging of dog food.
• Read the labels on dog food packages and make note of the ingredients, expiry date, and if the food is cooked or raw.
• Wash your hands after touching a dog and after handling their waste.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Matt Woodman