Pet Chews May Be Contaminated With Salmonella, Says FDA In Health Hazard Alert

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Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 06 Apr 2007 - 9:00 PDT

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The FDA has issued a Health Hazard Alert in which pet owners are warned not to give their animals American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews manufactured and distributed by T.W. Enterprises, Ferndale, WA. The agency warned that these products may be contaminated with Salmonella, raising the risk of serious infections. There is also the possibility of cross-contamination in which an infected pet could make humans ill.

If you have pet treats manufactured or distributed by T.W. Enterprises (listed below) you should not feed them to your pets. You should dispose of them carefully - in a securely covered trash receptacle.

The FDA stressed that people who handle an infected pet can become ill themselves, especially if they have not washed their hands thoroughly after contact. If you have touched any of the products (listed below) or any surfaces exposed to these products you should wash your hands thoroughly.

If you have touched any of the products (listed below), or have touched a pet which has consumed these products and you have the following symptoms you should contact your healthcare provider:

-- Nausea
-- Vomiting
-- Diarrhea (or bloody diarrhea)
-- Abdominal cramping
-- Fever

On rare occasions Salmonella can result in complications, such as arterial infections, arthritis, endocarditis, muscle pain, urinary tract symptoms and eye irritation.

A pet with Salmonella infection may have the following symptoms:

-- Diarrhea (or bloody diarrhea)
-- Lethargy
-- Fever
-- Vomiting
-- Some pets may only experience abdominal pain, fever and a drop in appetite

Some animals may be carriers of Salmonella after consuming these products (listed below) but seem and feel completely healthy. In such cases, the pet can still infect humans. If your pet has consumed these products and has some of the symptoms contact your veterinarian.

This alert includes all sizes and lots of the following products:

American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chew and Dog Chew (made from all American beef pizzle)

-- A.B. Small Chew, small, 3-4 inch
-- A.B. Puppy Chew, 4-6 inch
-- A.B. Dog Chew Medium, 6 inch
-- A.B. Dog Chew Large, 10 inch
-- A.B. Dog Chew XL, 13 inch
-- A.B. Dog Chew Mega, 16 inch
-- A.B. Dog Chew Jumbo, 26 inch

The FDA is still investigating to determine the source of this contamination.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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