GRESHAM, Ore., May 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gresham veterinarians are warning pet owners about the recent Diamond Pet foods recall. The following dog food brands may be affected and are currently being recalled: Kirkland Signature, Kirkland Signature Domain, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health and Taste of the Wild. The recall is due to salmonella contamination reported in the processing center of Gaston, South Carolina. Eleven brands of dry dog food produced at the center have been linked to 16 human cases of salmonella in nine different states and Canada. Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center is encouraging pet owners to check their dogs' food and to immediately report any salmonella symptoms.
Dr. Ken DeRemer, a Gresham veterinarian and founder of Paws and Claws Pet Medical Center, is warning pet owners about the recent salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated dog food. While no cases have been reported in Oregon, pet owners are urged to be vigilant and check their dogs' food for recalls.
Diamond Pet Foods is voluntarily recalling products produced at its Gatson, South Carolina plant. Affected brands include Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health and Taste of the Wild. Recalled foods have a production code with the number "2" or "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit. The "Best-Before" date is between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013.
Kirkland Signature pet food products are also part of the recall. These products have "Best Buy" dates between Dec. 9, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013. The production code includes a '3' in the tenth digit and a 'X' in the eleventh digit. The products were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
"While none of these products are known to have been distributed in Oregon, sold at Paws and Claws or any other Gresham veterinarian, nonetheless we are urging pet owners exercise caution and check their dog's food for a potential recall," said Dr. DeRemer.
The veterinarian stressed that all 16 human cases of salmonella were linked to humans handling the dog food. No cases of illness have been reported in dogs due to pet food contamination at the Gatson, South Carolina processing plant.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets include a change in appetite, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting. Pets who are infected may also act as a carrier for salmonella, spreading the disease to other pets and humans.
"Pet owners should be vigilant and promptly contact a veterinarian regarding suspected salmonella symptoms," said Dr. DeRemer. "Prompt veterinary care could save a pet's' life."
The center offers prescription diets, including Hills, Purina and Royal Canin, as well as nutritional counseling. They also provide emergency vet care, pet vaccinations and wellness programs.