HHS HealthBeat (September 9, 2010)

Salmonella from dry pet food?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Can feeding your pet make you sick? Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say dry pet food can carry Salmonella, so people who touch contaminated dry pet food can pick up the bacteria.

The CDC’s Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh says dogs and cats can carry Salmonella but appear healthy. But people who get a Salmonella infection can get stomach cramps, and fever – and diarrhea that can even cause hospitalization.

"The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands right after handling dry pet food, pet treats, or even pet supplements, like vitamins." (8 seconds)

Barton Behravesh says adults should help young children wash their hands, and children under 5 should not handle dry pet food.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: November 21, 2011