Next time you, or your children, give that beloved pet a treat made with fish or meat, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has been investigating a handful of cases in Canada and Washington state in which people became ill with a salmonella infection after handling pet treats made with meat or fish. The CDC believes that many more cases may have occured but were just not reported.
Salmonella infections can cause serious illness and in susceptible people, such as the very young or elderly, the effects can be deadly.
Some tips:
-- always wash your hands with soap and water after handling pet treats made with animal products
-- people with weak immune systems, children under age 5 and older adults (who are at greater risk of complications from an infection) should avoid handling these pet treats altogether.
So next time your pet begs for a treat, do yourself a favor afterward and wash your hands. Don't treat yourself to a potentially deadly illness.
Ellen, that was a nice peace of advice. Thanks for it. I will wash the hands after giving a treat to my dog. Is there any vaccine for Salmonella available?
- Annabella
Posted by: pet health | January 23, 2010 at 12:54 PM