Mitigating Salmonella Risk

Take simple steps to reduce the risk of infection in pets and people.

Given the number of recent media reports of salmonella outbreaks, pet owners might be wondering how to keep themselves and their four-legged friends healthy. A recent report in the Journal of  the American Veterinary Medical Association (Schaumburg, Ill) might help. It offers several recommendations on ways to minimize the risk of salmonella infection for pets as well as family  members:

• Avoid raw food diets for pets.
• Make sure pet food packaging is in good condition prior to purchase.
• Save the original pet food packaging material, including the date code and product code, for identification in case of food contamination.
• Return products to the store if they appear tainted, discolored or malodorous.
• Purchase individually packaged pig ears, rather than products from bulk bins.
• Store pet foods, treats and nutritional products according to label instructions usually in a cool. dry environment.
• Discourage children, the elderly and the inununo suppressed from handling pet food and treats.
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food, treats and nutritional products.
• Avoid feeding pets in the kitchen. Use a clean scoop to dispense pet food into bowls.
• Routinely wash pet bowls and scoops with hot, soapy water in a sink other than in the kitchen or bathroom.