The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in collaboration with provincial public health partners and Health Canada, is investigating an outbreak of E. 0157 which has so far resulted in infections in three provinces.Frozen raw food for carnivorous pets was identified as the likely source of the outbreak, as all people who became ill reported being exposed to the product or dogs fed this product before showing symptoms.
“This outbreak reminds us that raw pet food products contain raw meat and should not be handled differently from other raw meat products,” PHAC said in the recall.
Recalled product
| Product | Size | Upc | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnivore Brand Whole Animal Chicken Dinner with Vegetables ‘n’ Fruit, Ultra Premium Fresh Frozen Patties for Dogs & Cats | 4 lb bag / 1820g | 689076622271 | 13-01-20/ 006 15-02-20/ 042
20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
| Carnivora brand chicken dinner with ‘n’ Fruit vegetables | 25 lbs / 11.36 kg Bulk box | 689076619677 | 13-01-20/ 006
15-02-20/ 042 20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
| Carnivore Brand Whole Animal Beef Dinner with Vegetables ‘n’ Fruit, Ultra Premium Fresh Frozen Patties for Dogs & Cats | 4 lb bag / 1820g | 689076622370 | 13-01-20/ 006
15-02-20/ 042 20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
| Carnivora brand beef dinner with vegetables ‘n’ Fruit | 25 lbs / 11.36 kg Bulk box | 689076621076 | 13-01-20/ 006
15-02-20/ 042 20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
| Carnivore Brand Whole Animal Turkey Diet, Ultra Premium Fresh Frozen Patties for Dogs & Cats | 4 lb bag / 1820g | 689076623971 | 13-01-20/ 006
15-02-20/ 042 20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
| Carnivore Brand Turkey Diet | 25 lbs / 11.36 kg Bulk box | 13-01-20/ 006
15-02-20/ 042 20-01-20/ 006 20-02-20/ 042 |
The products have been sold in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but may have been distributed to other provinces or territories.
Summary of investigation
As of June 12, there are four confirmed cases of E. coli 0157 related to this outbreak; one in British Columbia, two in Alberta and one in Manitoba. The persons in question are between three and 43 years old and became ill between early March and mid-May 2020.
Two people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
More recent illnesses may be reported during the outbreak because of the delay between the time a person becomes ill and the time the disease is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the reporting period for the disease is between three and four weeks.
Symptoms
People infected with E. coli may have a wide range of symptoms, none at all, or a disease so severe that hospitalization is necessary. In all of these cases, it is possible that one carrier may spread the infection to others.
The following symptoms may appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Migraine
- Mild fever
- Severe stomach cramps
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
Most symptoms end within five to ten days, PHAC said in a press release, and those with prolonged symptoms should contact their health care provider.
There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than disease monitoring, comfort and prevention of dehydration through hydration and nutrition.
However, other complications are possible, including stroke, kidney failure and seizures, which may result in the need for further treatment or death.
Who is most at risk
E. coli 0157 is more likely to cause serious illness than other strains of E. coli. PHAC said, but the majority of infected people will still recover on their own.
Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly, are the populations most at risk of developing serious complications.
How to protect your health
Check to see if you have recalled Carnivora brand frozen raw pet food in your freezer and, if so, contact the retailer who was purchased for a refund or full exchange.
Do not give the product assigned to your pet.
PHAC also recommends washing and cleaning containers, utensils and surfaces that raw foods have touched before using them again, including countertops, microwaves and refrigerators.
In the future, consumers are encouraged to:
- Always wash your hands with soap and hot water after feeding, handling or cleaning after pets. Animals fed raw meat diets are more likely to shred harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and dangerous strains of E. even when they appear healthy, as well as those fed commercial croquettes or cooked diets.
- Regularly clean surfaces that come into contact with pet food or pets
- Store all pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared, where possible, and away from the reach of young children
PHAC does not recommend giving raw pet food to pets, especially in households with young children. It is recommended that consumers instead purchase from companies that use meat-derived ingredients that have been prepared under sanitary conditions and have passed the inspection for human consumption.
The public is also encouraged to look for companies that have a critical risk analysis protocol and checkpoints in place, which establish safety standards and practices, to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
