On July 31st, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the FDA (Federal Drug and Administration) announced they have started an investigation in several states concerning an outbreak of multi-drug resistant Salmonella. These cases all have linked back to pig ear dog treats.
There have been 127 cases in 33 states of Salmonella in humans since July that have been tied back to pig ear treats. Thankfully these people only need to be hospitalized.
On July 26th of this year, Lennox International did a voluntary recall of their pig ear products after two reported Salmonella contamination reports between May 1st and July 3rd of this year. But they are not the only pig ear manufacturer that has had reports of their products being infected with Salmonella.
If you currently have pig ears in your home and they have the following UPC codes, please throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.
- 742174 995163
- 742174994166
- 0385384810
- 742174P35107
About Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterium that is commonly found in food but has been known to contaminate water as well. Currently, there are about 2,300 identified types of bacteria in the Salmonella genus, but only two or three of those strands are the most commonly seen in reported cases.
It is estimated by the CDC that every year 1.2 million people are infected by Salmonella, with about 23,000 of those contaminated having to be hospitalized. Sadly, an average of 450 people die every year from the bacterium.
Here is a refresher on why Salmonella is so dangerous or us. Humans and pets generally have some amount of Salmonella in our digestive system at any given time. When an excess of the bacteria enters the system, it is neutralized by stomach acids that stop it from infecting more cells. However, when stomach acid alone can't keep the bacterium at bay, the Salmonella start infecting other parts of the digestive system causing a myriad of issues.
Salmonella infections cause a long list of symptoms that include:
- Nausea and headaches
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Blood in the stool
Individual with weak or compromised immune systems who become infected succumb to severe dehydration or possible meningitis, which is why the bacterium can be so deadly.
Contamination is transmitted through feces that has infected foods that are later digested by humans or animals. Commonly known infected foods include raw meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Even some spices have been linked to know outbreaks.
Safety Tips
Here are some tips from the CDC and other sources that can help you and your canine avoid getting contaminated or passing it to others.
- Do not feed any pig ear treats to your dog
- If you think your dog may have contracted Salmonella, contact your veterinarian as soon as you can
- If your dog is confirmed to have been infected by Salmonella, report it to the FDA as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling dog food and treats
- Don't let your dog lick you after they have eaten
- Children under 5 should not handle dog food or raw dog treats
- Always wash fruits and vegetables before you or your pets eat them
- Make sure meats and eggs are fully cooked before eating
We know as loving pet parents you want the very best for yourself, your family, including your fur-babies. Even if your pooch hasn’t gotten sick off of pig ears, it’s best to stop giving them pig ears and switch to raw hide or other recommendations from your veterinarian. Better safe than sorry is our general rule.
