The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says 31 people have gotten sick in a salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats. The confirmed cases are in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories.
Seven people have been hospitalized, according to an update from PHAC on Thursday. Officials warn that the real number of infections is likely much higher than reported.
“Many people have mild symptoms and don’t go to the doctor, so they aren’t tested,” the agency said. Experts estimate that for every confirmed case, there may be about 26 others that go unreported — meaning more than 800 people could actually be affected.
The outbreak started in February, with the most recent confirmed cases in late September.
PHAC says many of those who got sick had handled dog food or treats before becoming ill. However, investigators have not found a single supplier responsible for all the cases.
There are currently no recalls, but health officials say the likely source of some infections is Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats. Tests found salmonella in several products, including:
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Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150 g, 340 g, 454 g bags)
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Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120 g bags)
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Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120 g and 300 g bags)
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Puppy Love Beef Chew six-inch treats (value pack, four pieces)
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Puppy Love “Twisty Jr.” beef treats (value pack, five pieces)
PHAC notes that pet food is not regulated the same way as food for humans. Dog food and treats can carry bacteria like salmonella, which can make both people and pets sick. Even if dogs don’t show symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria to humans through contact with their food, bowls, or waste.
Health officials are continuing to investigate and say more sources of infection may be found.
Pet owners are advised to:
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Wash their hands thoroughly after handling dog food or treats.
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Teach children to do the same.
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Use separate dishes and utensils for pet food, and wash them apart from human dishes.
Symptoms of salmonella include fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and headaches. Most people recover within a week, but seniors, young children, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.
Of the 31 confirmed cases, 14 are in Alberta, 14 in B.C., two in Ontario, and one in the Northwest Territories. The people affected range in age from infants to 87 years old. No deaths have been reported.
