Caution...Don't Feed The Animals: Pet Foods May Pose Salmonella Threat To Pets and Tots

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

A recent recall of pet foods for salmonella contamination has both pet owners and parents concerned and worried.

According to experts the tainted pet food can be harmful to people, especially children under 2, not just pet. In fact, children don't even have to ingest the pet food to get sick. The studies show that people who got sick or were at risk for salmonella simply by virtue of coming in contact with the contaminated food or by simply feeding their pets without washing their hands afterwards.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of more than a dozen pet foods and treats since 2006 due to salmonella contamination; and Proctor and Gamble recently recalled its Iams and Eukanuba brands due to a potential salmonella contamination issue.

According to The Food and Drug Administration salmonella can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping. It poses the most danger and biggest threat to babies, small children and those with a weak immune system.

In addition an approximated 1.4 million Americans contract salmonella each year, with about 400 suffering fatal consequences. And, infected but otherwise healthy pets can act as carriers, spreading the disease to people.

Experts suggest reducing the risk by washing your hands or your child's hands after handling pet food or treats. Pet owners should also abstain from feeding animals in the kitchen. Furthermore pet owners should avoid washing pet bowls in kitchen sinks or bathtubs, where there is potential for the bacteria to spread to food or people. And, parents should refrain from bathing infants in sinks as well.
Other potential areas of salmonella exposure for kids include petting zoos, and riding in shopping carts next to raw meat or poultry.

Long Island Pets Articles > Caution...Don't Feed The Animals: Pet Foods May Pose Salmonella Threat To Pets and Tots