Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is calling on consumers to dispose of "Dog Gone Dog Treats" because of links to three cases of salmonella.
The State Public Health Laboratory tested one open bag of the treats and several unopened bags all purchased last week. All of the bags tested positive for Salmonella. So far three cases have been reported by individuals who handled these treats—two adults in their 70s and one child, all from Essex County.
The treats are made in Georgetown and are sold at Essex County Co-Op in Topsfield, New England Dog Biscuit Company in Salem, Gimme Chews & Moore in Haverhill, and Animal Krackers in Gloucester. The DPH has ordered all stores to remove the product from shelves and ordered all production on new products to be ceased.
Read More: Mass. Man Arrested In Sweden In Connection To Fires At Jewish Institutions
Dog Gone Dog Treats include "chicken chips", beef liver, and sweet potato chips and are dehydrated and not fully cooked. People can get salmonella if they eat or handle food contaminated with the bacteria and the food has not been properly handled, prepped, or cooked.
Salmonella can spread when people come in contact with the germs, oftentimes by touching their mouths, eating, or smoking. The germs can be spread to anything an infected person touches. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that can last up to a week—severe illness is normally uncommon.
The DPH recommends anyone who is experiencing severe symptoms or believes they may have symptoms of salmonella should reach out to their healthcare provider. If a pet owner believes their dog may be infected, the DPH recommends reaching out to the pet's veterinarian.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App