Most cases of food poisoning are caused by contact with infectious bacteria that are often carried and spread in animals through their digestive systems and their feces. One of these strains of infectious bacteria are salmonella, a type of infectious bacteria that is most often associated with poultry products. However, as some cat owners found out late last week, poultry products are not the only way of coming into contact with salmonella bacterial strains. A Utah-based pet food company called Go Raw has issued a recall on their Quest Beef Cat Food after a sample of the product tested positive for the presence of salmonella bacteria.
This product is distributed nationwide. Those who have purchased Quest Beef Cat Food from Go Raw should check their bags for the code reading: “UPC 6-91730-17101-8, Lot N128”. Bags of product with this code are feared to have come into contact with salmonella bacteria and may be contaminated. Any consumers who fear their feline friends may have came into contact or been fed potentially contaminated products and seems to be ill should contact a veterinarian right away. Symptoms for pets that could be infected by salmonella bacteria include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, low appetite, fever, and/or abdominal pain.
Symptoms in humans that have come into contact with these infectious bacteria through contact with infected products or infected animals/pets are similar, though they can include nausea as well. Symptoms usually arise within one-to-two days after contact with the salmonella bacteria and can last up to about one-to-two weeks. It should be noted that if symptoms last longer than this time period or if symptoms worsen in severity, then medical attention should be sought immediately as more serious complications as a result of the infection may be taking place.
The best way to ensure safety from salmonella infections from any source is to practice good handwashing habits and hygiene. Keeping pets and anything that may have come into contact with feces away from sources used to prepare meals is key. Washing your hands before and after working with raw meats is also important. Keeping up to date with outbreaks of infections and food poisonings to avoid possible sources of infection is important as well.
For more information on animal food borne disease, or “zoonotic” outbreaks, click here.
