A veterinary surgeon has advised dog owners not to feed deli meats to their pets amid the current listeria outbreak.
At least 12 states are currently in the midst of a deadly listeria outbreak, which has resulted in two known deaths and 28 hospitalizations.
Although the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) is still investigating the specific products involved with spreading the illness, “many people in this outbreak are reporting eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters,” officials said.
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Listeria, a type of serious food poisoning that can cause death in some cases, can also be a danger to dogs.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, who is the co-founder of dog-wellness company Wag!, has warned dog owners that “listeria can indeed affect dogs, and infections can be serious or fatal.”
She told Newsweek: “Puppies and senior dogs, or dogs with weaker immune systems, are more susceptible to serious infections.
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“While a small amount of deli meat as a treat typically isn’t harmful, it’s best to avoid it altogether during an outbreak like this—just like with humans, contaminated food is the main risk factor.”
Just a few weeks ago, it was dogs who were particularly in danger of contracting listeria, when a nationwide recall was issued by online pet food subscription site Viva Raw, which ships fresh dog and cat food to customers on a scheduled plan.
The company, based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, recalled five products manufactured under the same lot that was exposed to listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria’s presence was identified after the Food and Drug Administration conducted sample testing on the product Viva Turkey for Dogs. Samples from Lot 21244 were found positive for the bacteria.
This time it is human food in which listeria is being found, with vulnerable people given specific advice about the circumstances under which it would be safe to eat deli meats.
If you are pregnant, living with a weakened immune system, or aged 65 and over, the CDC says: “Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.”
The CDC described listeria as “a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium listeria monocytogenes.” Out of the approximately 1,600 people who are estimated to get listeria each year, 260 die.
Jeremiah added that deli meats are not the best treats to be giving your pets even outside of outbreaks—because of their “high sodium content and preservatives.”
She said: “A little bit here and there is usually OK. Cooked, lean meats like chicken or turkey, blueberries, carrots, and of course, dog treats made with healthy ingredients, in moderation, of course, are all great treat options.”
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