Giardia is a protozoan parasite that lives in the intestine of infected humans and animals (in particular, beavers and domestics animals like cats and dogs). It is found in the environment on surfaces (where it can survive for long periods), water and food that has been contaminated with the feces from an infected person or animal.
Children are more commonly infected than adults. The following have been implicated in both small and large community outbreaks:
Natura Pet Products is recalling some lots of dry pet food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Pets can become ill after eating this food, and human beings can become ill just by touching it and then not thoroughly washing their hands. Pets with Salmonella can have lethargy and have diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, and vomiting. Pets that appear perfectly healthy can be carriers of Salmonella bacteria.
The recalled products were packaged in one production facility. A single lot tested positive for Salmonella during routine FDA testing. No illnesses have been associated with these products to date. Natural is recalling all expiration dates before June 10, 2014.
Natura is voluntarily expanding its March 29, 2013 recall of dry pet foods because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The recall now includes all dry pet food products and treats with expiration dates before and including March 24, 2014.
The brands recalled include: California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Innova, and Karma. All sizes, all dry dog and cat food and treat varieties, all UPC numbers and all lot codes are recalled. All expiration dates before and including March 24, 2014 are included in the recall. No canned wet food or biscuits are affected by this recall.
MALTA – Salmonella has been detected in peacocks and turkeys section in the popular “Petting Farm” in Ta’ Qali. The salmonella was picked up through regular tests on the animals.
“Petting Farm” is situated on the southern part of the Ta’ Qali National Park. It covers a footprint of circa 11,600m2. It is newly opened recreation facilities which offer a great interaction experience with farm animals for children in a beautifully landscaped and relaxing environment.
The area has been quarantined and cordoned off immediately as soon as the animals tested positive for salmonella enteritidis.
This particular strain of the salmonella bacterium affects and infects poultry – especially chicken flocks, without causing visible disease, spreading rapidly. When passed on to humans, usually through consumption of uncooked meat or eggs and contaminated food, it causes symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Posted in Bacteria, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall
Tagged animals, environment, science
The Food and Drug Administration is giving consumers, especially reptile owners, tips on how to prevent Salmonella infection from handling feeder rodents and reptiles. Feeder rodents are mice and rats—both frozen and live—used to feed some reptiles, such as certain snakes and lizards, as well as some amphibians. Feeder rodents, reptiles, and amphibians can be sources of Salmonella infection for people.
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. People get salmonellosis by ingesting Salmonella germs. Persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, the illness can be serious, even fatal, in some people. Children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for salmonellosis and may develop more severe illness.
Rodents and reptiles can naturally carry Salmonella in their intestines but show no signs of illness. The animals shed the bacteria in their feces and droppings. These, in turn, contaminate the environment with Salmonella, including the outside of the animals’ bodies and their habitats. Freezing does not kill Salmonella, so both frozen and live feeder rodents can be contaminated with these germs. Over 500 human cases of salmonellosis in three countries, including the U.S., were linked to frozen rodent exposure between 2008 and 2010.
People may become infected with Salmonella after handling feeder rodents, reptiles, or amphibians, surfaces that have been in contact with these animals, or the environment in which the animal lives.
Contaminated surfaces may include countertops, microwave ovens, refrigerators and freezers, kitchen utensils, and glasses and bowls used to store, thaw, and prepare frozen feeder rodents. Reptile and rodent habitats, including their cages or enclosures, bedding, basking rocks, food and water dishes, and other objects in their cages or enclosures may also be contaminated with Salmonella. Germs picked up from touching the animal or habitat can be spread to other people or surfaces. Therefore, people should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching these animals, their food, or anything in the area where they live and roam. Running water and soap are best, but hand sanitizers may be used if running water and soap are not available.
Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Testing, Methods, Microbiology, Pathogen, Salmonella
Tagged animals, environment, feeder rodents, nature, science, water
A total of 16 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 7 states.
I must admit I did not even know that you could get pet Hedghogs
Picture Courtesy of http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:Olaf1541
Posted in Bacteria, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Salmonella
An E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak linked to the Willow Grove Gardens Pumpkin Patch and petting zoo has been announced by the Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Department of Washington. Public health officials have confirmed one child is ill with the bacterial infection, and there is one probable case. One of the children was hospitalized for several days but is now recovering. Public health officials are asking that anyone who visited the facility and has symptoms of E. coli food poisoning such as diarrhea, which may be bloody, severe stomach cramps, vomiting, or a mild fever, contact them immediately at 360-414-5599.
Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, E.coli O157, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen
Tagged animals, environment, nature, science
A study published in the May 22, 2012 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseaseshas found that organic meats may have increased toxoplasmosis risk.
Toxoplasmosis gondii is a single-celled parasite that used to be a significant problem in pork. The definitive host for the parasite is cats. When pigs were allowed to forage for food, they often ate food contaminated with infected cat feces, or ate wild animals and birds that contained the oocysts. That’s why your grandmother used to cook pork well done to 160 degrees F, because that destroyed the parasite in all of its forms.
When pork farmers changed the methods of hog raising to eliminate foraging and fed the animals processed food, the risk of toxoplasmosis fell considerably. But the current trend toward free-range food animals, especially pigs and lamb, has increased the toxoplasmosis risk, since those animals are foraging for food. Wild game, such as venison, is also a a source of the toxoplasmosis parasite.
Diamond Pet Foods is expanding a voluntary recall to include its Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula dry dog food manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011 due to potential exposure to Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported. The product was distributed in the following states: Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Further distribution through other pet food channels may have occurred.
Pet owners may call toll-free at 1-866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm EST. Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any issues this may have caused pet owners and their pets.
The product is Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula. Only samples, 6 pound and 18 pound bag sizes are affected
Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer
Contact with reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, and lizards) and amphibians (such as frogs and toads) can be a source of human Salmonella infections. Small turtles, with a shell length of less than 4 inches, are a well-known source of human Salmonella infections, especially among young children. Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale and distribution of these turtles since 1975. Amphibians and reptiles can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean. Salmonella germs are shed in their droppings and can easily contaminate their bodies and anything in areas where these animals live. Reptiles and amphibians that live in tanks or aquariums can contaminate the water with germs, which can spread to people.
Posted in Bacteria, CDC, Eurofins Laboratories, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Research, Salmonella
Tagged animals, environment, water
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