Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak in Western Canada that has killed one person and hospitalized others.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says eight people in Western Canada, including five in British Columbia, have become ill with Salmonella Typhimurium since February and that one of the infected individuals later died.
The agency says the likely source of the outbreak is exposure to pig ear dog treats after individuals reported becoming sick due to handling certain brands of treats.
The brands of pig ear dog treats are Paws Up! and Western Family brands and are sold nationally at Canadian Tire and Save-On-Foods.
The agency also says that the supplying company, Masters Best Friend, voluntarily issued a “notice of stop sale” for Paws Up! and Western Family on Sept. 29.
“This outbreak is a reminder of the importance of safely handling all pet treats, including pig ears and pet food. These products can be contaminated with bacteria that can make you and others sick if proper handling and cleaning practices are not followed,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a press release issued Tuesday.
“The outbreak investigation is ongoing and it is possible that additional products may be identified,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a press release issued Tuesday.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, five people in British Columbia, two people in Alberta and one person in the Yukon became sick with Salmonella Typhimurium between late February and early August.
The agency says three people were hospitalized and one person died after becoming infected. It also says the individuals who became sick were between the ages of seven and 95 and the infections were distributed equally among men and women
“Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection, but children aged five years and under, older adults, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for contracting serious illness,” the agency said in its release.
Public Health Agency says those who become sick with Salmonella usually make a full recovery after a few days and that it is possible for some people to become sick and not show symptoms or sick at all.
For more information on the affected products, should contact Masters Best Friend.
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