Third company issues pig ear recall over SalmonellaAugust 21, 2019A suspected connection between an outbreak of salmonellosis in humans and pig ear treats is forcing Dog Goods USA to issue a voluntary recall of some of its products.
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Pig ears linked to human cases of salmonellosisAugust 2, 2019Pet owners across 33 states are being advised to dispose all pig ear treats, as the products are believed to be linked to an ongoing outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections in humans.
Education and awareness are key to preventing dog bitesApril 9, 2019Parents learning canine behavioral cues and teaching them to their children to avoid injuries is one of the ways to prevent dog bites. That's according to Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), which released several recommendations for parents and veterinarians to help keep children safe. The advice comes during National Dog Bite Prevention week, which runs from April 7 to 13. Parents should also be aware of a dog lifting its lip, panting or yawning inappropriately, cowering, holding its breath, flattening its ears to its head, growling, or snapping. "Many dogs will give a warning or several warnings they are uncomfortable, and a person needs to back off," says Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP, a past TVMA president who is a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. "People often miss these signs and think a dog bite occurred out of the blue." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 4.7 million dog bites are reported every year. Seventeen percent of them require medical care—half of the victims are children. According to TVMA, it is important to teach children not to approach unknown dogs, but it also warns many dog bites occur when interacting …
PIJAC releases resource to combat antimicrobial resistance health risksMarch 25, 2019The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has released a set of recommendations for antibiotic management and combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion animals. The resource includes a set of principles for all sectors of the pet care community with an emphasis on those involved with breeding, rearing, transport, and the sale of companion animals, as well as those who work with products where antibiotics regularly intersect with animals. The principles provide advice and best management practices on matters such as the use of antibiotics, sanitation, hygiene, veterinary oversight, and zoonotic disease prevention. "PIJAC is proud to have served as the pet industry's liaison on public health issues and zoonotic disease prevention for over a decade through our memorandum of understanding with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," says PIJAC president and CEO, Mike Bober. "These recommendations are another demonstration of PIJAC and the pet care community's commitment to promoting the health and well-being of animals and humans alike." The CDC estimates two million people are infected with resistant strains of bacteria and 23,000 deaths result from antibiotic resistance in the U.S. annually. Campylobacter and Salmonella are two common bacteria types, which have resistant strains and are …
Salmonella outbreak linked to pet guinea pigsMarch 26, 2018 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported nine cases of Salmonella infection connected to pet guinea pigs across eight states. The illnesses, which resulted in one hospitalization, ranged from July 2015 to Dec. 2017. "This outbreak is a reminder that pet rodents such as guinea pigs, regardless of where they are purchased or adopted, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they look healthy and clean," states the advisory. States cited in the advisory include Colorado, with two reported cases, as well as Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Virginia, and Vermont, with one case each. The outbreak strain of the bacteria was identified in a sample collected from the guinea pig belonging to the patient in Vermont. Illness resulting from exposure to Salmonella usually lasts four to seven days. Those affected usually recover without treatment, but extreme cases of diarrhea and vomiting can lead to hospitalization. Infection is considered most dangerous for children younger than 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends veterinarians remind clients with pet rodents to enforce good hygiene practices, especially in regard to young children. To read the full report, click
