Health officials link salmonella cases to dog food brand as B.C. cases rise

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Federal and provincial health agencies have reported a link in rising salmonella cases, including one in the Northern Health region, to a specific dog food brand.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has released an updated notice on a national salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats, which now includes 31 confirmed cases across the country.

According to the PHAC, the outbreak has resulted in seven hospitalizations across the country. Illnesses have been reported between mid-February and late September, with those affected ranging in age from zero to 87 years old.

In B.C., the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said 14 cases have been reported in multiple health regions, as of October 16th.

This is an increase of two cases from last month’s report, although the singular case in Northern Health’s region has remained static:

• Fraser Health: five cases
• Interior Health: three cases
• Island Health: three cases
• Vancouver Coastal Health: two cases
• Northern Health: one case

As well as the 14 cases in B.C., the PHAC has reported 14 in Alberta, two in Ontario and one in the Northwest Territories.

The PHAC said many people who became sick reported handling dog food or treats prior to their illness.

While investigators have not identified a single supplier as the source, exposure to certain Puppy Love and Puppy World brand treats has been linked to several of the reported infections.

Samples of the following products have tested positive for salmonella:

• Puppy World lamb lung treats (120g, 340g, 545g bags)
• Puppy Love chicken wing tip treats (120g bags)
• Puppy Love chicken breast treats (120g and 300g bags)
• Puppy Love beef chew six-inch treats (value pack, four pieces)
• Puppy Love “Twisty Jr.” beef treats (value pack, five pieces)

The PHAC has asked individuals to wash their hands thoroughly after handling dog food, treats or waste, and to keep pet food preparation areas separate from human food spaces.

“Even if dogs don’t show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them or their environment,” the PHAC said in the October 16th update.

Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear within six to 72 hours of exposure and can include chills, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and headaches. Dehydration can also occur, especially in infants.

If individuals believe they may be infected by salmonella, or have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional, they should avoid going to work or school. 

While most people recover within a week, and some don’t feel symptoms at all, severe cases may require hospitalization.

Those most at risk include young children, older adults, people who are pregnant and individuals with weakened immune systems.