Welcome to the 2022 Pet Business Newsletter!

Meet the Pet Business Program Team

Update on 2021 outbreaks linked to non-traditional pets

In 2021, the CDC reported several Salmonella bacteria outbreaks linked to non-traditional pets* in several states, including Washington.  Over 1,200 people in the U.S. became ill when they came into contact with Salmonella bacteria from backyard poultry, pet bearded dragons, and small turtles. The CDC estimates that for every reported case of Salmonella infection in a person, there are approximately 29 more cases that go unreported.

Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, but some people are at higher risk for severe disease that requires medical treatment or hospitalization, including infants, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. As non-traditional pets often carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing sick and shed them in their droppings, people can get infected by touching infected animals, their droppings, or their environment.  

To help limit the spread of Salmonella,   Place visible Salmonella warning signs on animal enclosures and alert customers and staff of the risk.   Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding these animals and after touching or cleaning the area where they live.   Always have hot running water, soap, and paper towels accessible for handwashing.  Remind customers with signage or verbally to wash hands or use hand sanitizer after handling any animals and after leaving poultry display areas.   Do not sell turtles with shell length less than 4 inches. The FDA bans the sale and distribution of small turtles.  Help educate customers about how to stay healthy around these animals. Check out posters and other resources at: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonella.html   Regularly review and keep your infection control plan (ICP) up to date. For ICP templates, see: www.kingcounty.gov/petbusiness      Source poultry from hatcheries that take steps to reduce Salmonella contamination

*Non-traditional pets have a widely accepted definition of pets other than dogs and cats, including rodents and other small mammals, backyard poultry, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species. Backyard poultry are included even though they are food-producing animals. 

Washing Dishes and Toys: What You Need to Know

Pets and pet food can carry harmful germs, such as E. Coli and Salmonella bacteria, and viruses that are very contagious between animals such as canine influenza.  When animals drink or eat from a dish, they can leave behind harmful germs that can spread to other animals. Food and water dishes can also become contaminated with germs from the pet food itself.

 Food and water dishes need to be cleaned and disinfected between each use. Read the label on your disinfectant product to determine to correct dilution for use on dishes and food surfaces. Not all disinfectants are safe to use on dishes; use a bleach solution (one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water) or another disinfectant that is approved for dishes. Dishwashers are recommended for dishes and shared toys.

Other ways to keep pets and people healthy include:  Storing and preparing pet food/treats in separate areas from human food.   Always washing hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food/treats and toys.

Online resources:   Factsheet on disinfectants  Factsheet on dilutions  Bleach dilution calculator (MS Excel format)

Ventilation: Healthy Indoor Air for Pet Facilities

Improving indoor air quality can reduce human airborne viruses, like COVID-19 as well as animal-related airborne diseases.  Some diseases that can be spread through the air include:  Kennel cough   Canine influenza   Feline calicivirus   Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)  Seoul virus