Following media reports about Salmonella outbreaks tied to pet products, a new report in the June 1 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) lays out recommendations for pet owners on how to avoid Salmonella infection in pets.

The report, written by Kate S. KuKanich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, details the circumstances under which Salmonella organisms are most often ingested and includes a history of Salmonella outbreaks associated with pet food and treats. In addition, it offers recommendations on how pet owners can minimize the risk of Salmonella infection for both their pets and families.

Recommendations include:

* Avoiding raw food diets for pets.
* Purchasing individually packaged pig ears, rather than buying them from bulk bins.
* Checking the packaging of pet food products to ensure that they are in good condition prior to purchase; returning products to the store if they appear tainted, discolored, or malodorous.
* Storing pet foods, treats, and nutritional products in accordance with label instructions, preferably in a cool, dry environment.
* Saving the original pet food packaging material, including the date code and product code of all food products, for product identification in case of food contamination.
* Discouraging children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed people from handling pet food and treats.
* Washing hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food, treats, and nutritional products.
* Using a clean scoop to dispense pet food into bowls.
* Washing water and food bowls used by pets, as well as feeding scoops, routinely with hot soapy water in a sink other than in the kitchen or bathroom.
* Avoiding feeding pets in the kitchen.

For more information, please visit the AVMA website: www.avma.org.