Dog food recalled for salmonella contamination

A dog food popular with mushers and dog owners in the region is being recalled for salmonella contamination. The dog food includes all brands of Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds and Member’s Mark pet foods, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a November 9 recall alert. The manufacturer is Mid America Pet Food.

The FDA is investigating seven human cases of Salmonella Kiambu infection potentially associated with pet food made by Mid America Pet Food. The seven people infected were not from Alaska. Six of seven cases reported were in children one year of age or younger. Five of these cases reported exposure to dogs and three reported feeding Victor pet food to their pets. A retail sample of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food collected by the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and analyzed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental

Control matches the strain of Salmonella found in the seven ill people.

Mid America Pet Food has recalled the pet food with a “best by” date before 10/31/2024.

These products include both dog and cat foods and were sold nationwide in retail stores and online.

What to do

People feeding these dog foods are advised to throw it away in a secure container. The FDA says to not feed it to your pets or other animals. Do not donate the food. Do not dispose of it at the landfill as wildlife may get into it.

In Nome, the City’s Public Works Department can assist with disposing of the dog food. Public Works Director Cole Cushman asks the public to call him to make arrangements for the safe destruction of the recalled dog food.

Clean and disinfect all pet supplies and surfaces that the food or pet had contact with.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning

Salmonella can make both people and pets sick. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness and death in humans and animals, especially those who are very young, very old, or have weak immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people infected with Salmonella can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment, but in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. Consult your health provider.

Pets do not always display symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. If your pet has these symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly.