Seven people, including six children 1 year of age and younger, have contracted Salmonella Kiambu infection, and officials say it is potentially linked to several recalled brands of dry pet food.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the infections across seven states are potentially associated with pet food made by Mid America Pet Food, which has voluntarily recalled all pet food brands it manufactures with a best by date before Oct. 31, 2024. Pets sick with Salmonella may be carriers of the bacteria and can pass it on to humans without appearing ill.
Recalled brands include Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds and two varieties of Member’s Mark pet foods. These products include both dog and cat foods and were sold nationwide in retail stores and online.
As of Nov. 1, seven people are confirmed to be infected with Salmonella living in California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Hawaii. A retail sample of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food collected in South Carolina matches the strain of Salmonella found in the seven ill people.
Five of the cases reported exposure to dogs, and three reported feeding Victor pet food to their pets. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Jan. 14 to Aug. 19. One person was hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Salmonella can make both people and pets sick. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment; however, Salmonella can cause illness and death in humans and animals, especially those who are very young, very old or have weak immune symptoms.
Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level.
Consumers with any of the recalled pet food are advised to throw it away in a secure container. Consumers should also clean and disinfect all pet supplies and surfaces that have been in contact with the food or the pet.
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