Salmonella outbreaks in Alberta, B.C. linked to dog food and treats

Salmonella cases across the country linked to dog food and treats have prompted a warning from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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.

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Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) shows there have been six hospitalizations linked to the salmonella infections. There have been no deaths, according to the agency on Monday.

The health agency did not identify specific brands that are contaminated, but it is asking people to practice good hygiene when handling dog food.

“You can get sick with salmonella through contact with a dog, their food or treats,” said a statement from PHAC. “Even if dogs don’t show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them or their environment.”

To reduce the risk of infection, people are advised 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.

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.

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

The 27 laboratory-confirmed cases occurred between mid-February and mid-August of this year. About 59 per cent of those infected are female.

Many who became sick reported handling dog food and treats before getting ill. A single common supplier of dog food has not been identified.

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.

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