Health authorities have warned of a salmonella outbreak linked to dry dog and cat food.
On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert after seven cases of salmonella, including one hospitalization, were recorded in seven states.
Six of the seven infections occurred in infants under one year of age.
The infections have been linked to Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food, manufactured by Mid America Pet Food in Mount Pleasant, Texas. This food was shipped all over the country.
Several Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds and Member’s Mark brands of dog and cat food are also being recalled.
The CDC has issued a health warning for several Victor brand dog and cat foods due to salmonella contamination
So far, seven people have fallen ill after coming into contact with the food
This food was shipped all over the country. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following states have reported illnesses: Minnesota, California, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Hawaii.
The foods all had a “Best Buy” date before October 31, 2024.
According to the CDC warning, infected people contracted the disease by touching contaminated dog food, the intestines of dogs that contained the food, or the feces or saliva of dogs that were given the food.
Salmonella bacteria are transmitted through human or animal feces, and symptoms of infection usually begin six hours to six days after exposure. They usually disappear in another four to seven days without the need for medical intervention.
Some people have no symptoms. However, the disease can sometimes be more serious and require hospitalization.
People with underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, children under 12 months and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects – or even death.
Both dog and cat food were affected by the recall
A variety of Eagle Mountain dog foods have been on the FDA recall list
Two types of Member’s Mark dog food have been recalled due to the salmonella outbreak
In rare cases, a salmonella infection can cause the pathogen to enter the bloodstream and cause more serious conditions such as artery infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) and arthritis.
Salmonella infects more than 1.3 million people annually and results in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually.
Foods contaminated with salmonella are almost always of animal origin, such as eggs. The bacteria can also hide in unbaked or uncooked flour used to make dough or batter.
The FDA reported that pets with salmonella infection may be lethargic, have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
The CDC recommends disposing of recalled pet food in a sealed garbage bag to avoid contaminating wildlife with salmonella. The agency also said surfaces such as pet bowls should be cleaned.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
