Petland Puppies Bacterial Outbreak Spreads To Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of a bacterial infection linked to puppies sold through the Petland pet store chain. The Campylobacter infections have sickened 39 people in seven states, including two in Pennsylvania.

Of the 39 people who contracted the ailment, 27 either recently purchased a puppy at Petland, visited a Petland, or visited or live in a home with a puppy sold through Petland before the illness began. The other 12 are Petland employees.

Most people who become ill with campylobacter get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. The illness is spread most commonly through contact with dog feces.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement they will continue to monitor the outbreak.

Petland has four stores in the Pittsburgh metro area, including East Liberty, Monroeville, Irwin and Tarentum.

Photo: RoBbe via Creative Commons.