At least 31 sick, 7 hospitalized in salmonella outbreak linked to dog food

Health officials say an outbreak of salmonella has been traced to a certain brand of dog food and treats.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says a salmonella outbreak believed to be linked to dog food and treats has resulted in 31 confirmed infections in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and the Northwest Territories.

Seven people have been hospitalized in connection to the outbreak, the PHAC says in an update on its investigation Thursday.

Authorities say those figures only include laboratory-confirmed infections, and the true number of cases is likely significantly higher.

“Many people have mild symptoms and don’t go to the doctor, so they aren’t tested,” reads the PHAC update.

“Researchers estimate that for each case of salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported.”

That estimate would put the true number of people affected by the outbreak at more than 800.

Data from the PHAC shows confirmed salmonella cases associated with the outbreak began in February. The most recent cases were confirmed in late September.

“Many people who became sick in this outbreak investigation reported handling dog food and treats prior to becoming ill,” the PHAC says. “A single common supplier of dog food or treats has not been identified as the source of the outbreak.”

There are currently no recalls in place, but health officials say the “likely source” of some of the illnesses reported in the outbreak was Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats.

Specifically, the PHAC says salmonella was found in samples of:

• Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150-gram, 340-gram, 454-gram bags)
• Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120-gram bags)
• Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120-gram and 300-gram bags)
• Puppy Love Beef Chew six-inch treats (value pack, four pieces)
• Puppy Love “Twisty Jr.” beef treats (value pack, five pieces)

“In Canada, pet food products are not subject to the same regulations and testing as food intended for humans,” the PHAC says. “Dog food and treats can be contaminated with bacteria, including salmonella, which can make people and dogs sick. You can get sick with salmonella through contact with a dog, their food or treats, as well as their waste. Even if dogs don’t show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them or their environment.”

The PHAC says its investigation is ongoing and additional sources of infection may be identified.

The agency advises pet owners to wash their hands thoroughly, immediately after handling any type of dog food or treat, and to teach their children to do the same.

It also recommends using dedicated dishes and utensils to serve dog food and washing them separately from other dishes and utensils. Other safety advice can be found in the PHAC outbreak notice.

Symptoms of salmonella include chills, a fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and sudden headaches. Most symptoms end on their own within four to seven days, according to the PHAC, but those at higher risk of serious illness include senior and young children, people with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant.

The 31 lab-confirmed cases of salmonella linked to the outbreak include 14 in Alberta, 14 in B.C., two in Ontario and one in the Northwest Territories. Those infected range in age from zero to 87 years old. No deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak.