U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tracked Campylobacter infections in humans. The agency says infections that were linked to puppies from Petland have been reported between September 2016 and October 2017 in Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Source: HealthDay, October 3, 2017.
Many of the people sickened in this outbreak were Petland employees, while others had either bought a Petland puppy, shopped at Petland or visited someone who had purchased a puppy from Petland, the CDC said.
INSIGHTS: To prevent catching Campylobacter from dogs, the CDC advises that you:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching dogs, their poop or their food. Take extra care that children wash their hands carefully after playing with puppies or dogs.
- Pick up and dispose of dog poop, especially in areas where children play.
- Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your puppy or dog.