Yesterday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health alert involving pig ears and pig hooves that may be tainted with Salmonella bacteria. These much loved doggie treats (at least they're much loved in my household, where I even use them as doggie currency) are sold under many brand names and as both packaged and bulk items in pet shops and retail chain stores. Products under investigation are produced at the Sanger, California, manufacturing facility for Pet Carousel.
No cases of illness linked to these treats have been reported to the FDA but the agency urges all pet owners who have them on hand to throw them away in a covered trash receptacle. Humans can become infected and ill from handling things, including these pet treats, contaminated by Salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms in humans include diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms are possible and some of them can develop into life-threatening medical emergencies.
Symptoms in dogs include a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever. The bacteria can be transferred from pet to human or human to pet so it's always important to wash hands thoroughly after handling a pet and his toys or treats. Any suspicious symptoms in humans or pets should be immediately reported to a medical or veterinary facility.
Brand names selling the pig ear treats in packages include Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The pig hoof treats are packaged as Pet Carousel, Doggie Delight, Dentley's, and Choo Hooves. These treats are often sold in bulk at pet stores and retail chains, with no associated brand name exhibited.
The Salmonella contamination was identified in a routine test conducted at the Pet Carousel plant in September 2009. Further testing revealed contamination of both the pig ear and pig hoof treats and in the manufacturing environment itself.
The FDA investigation continues, with updates to be issued as new developments arise.
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