The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising pet owners that Pet Supplies Plus is recalling bulk pig ear products due to the potential for Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
The bulk pig ears were distributed to locations in more than two dozens states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this recall.
Symptoms of Salmonella include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear products in a Pet Supplies Plus store tested positive for Salmonella.