Pig Ear Dog Treats Possibly Linked To Salmonella In Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI — Federal health officials are cautioning pet owners that bulk pig ear treats for dogs could be making their family sick. The CDC and FDA are investigating an outbreak of salmonella spanning 13 states, including Wisconsin, and believes handling pig ear dog treats as they're given to pets is the likely source of the outbreak.

What Happened

Federal health officials said they learned of 45 cases of sick people in 13 states, including one in Wisconsin. During the course of their investigation, health officials managed to interview 38 people who were sickened with salmonella, and 34 reported contact with a dog before getting sick. No deaths have been reported. On July 3, the FDA issued an alert over the potential hazards of bulk pig ears.

In the course of the investigation, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development visited retail locations where ill people reported purchasing pig ear treats and collected samples. Testing revealed that the samples were negative for the specific outbreak strain, but the samples tested positive for Salmonella London, Salmonella Typhimurium, SalmonellaNewport, and Salmonella Infantis.

Health officials say they're working to identify the source of the pig ear treats, how they became contaminated, and where they were distributed.

What You Need To Do

Officials said, in general, if you choose to feed long-lasting treats like pig ears, practice good hygiene by: monitoring your pet while they have the treat, picking up the treat when they are done with it, keeping treats away from small children, cleaning the areas where the treat came into contact, washing hands, and not allowing your pet lick you, your family members, or surfaces in your home.

Symptoms

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. If your pet has consumed this product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Infected animals can also shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva, spreading pathogens into the home environment and to humans and other animals in the household.

Read More

For more information on the CDC and FDA investigations, please visit their websites.
MDARD's Animal Feed Safety Program staff routinely inspects the manufacturers and distributors of commercial feeds and feed ingredients sold in Michigan to help protect animal health. For more information, visit the MDARD website or contact the program via email.