Pet store puppies may be source of bacterial infection outbreak

Site staff by Site Contributor

iStock/Asian The CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of campylobacter infections linked to contact with puppies sold through Petland, a national pet store chain.

A laboratory investigation of a multidrug-resistant bacteria breaking out in several states found that those who have come in contact with pet store puppies or work at Petland have fallen ill.

A reported 67 people across 15 states have gotten sick from the bacteria, known as Campylobacter, and 62 of those people have recently come in contact with Petland puppies. Eighteen patients worked at Petland while 44 patients had recently bought or visited a puppy from Petland.

The other five patients reported contact with puppies that were not from Petland.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends always washing hands with soap and water after touching a puppy and working with veterinarians to keep pets healthy.

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