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Mars Petcare Cat Food Recalled

-October 28, 2008 

Mars Petcare US, a nationwide retailer of pet food and supplies, has recently issued a voluntary recall of its "Special Kitty Gourmet Blend" cat food due to the possibility that a limited number of bags have been contaminated with salmonella.

What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a general term for a group of bacteria that can cause intestinal infections in both humans and animals. Common sources of salmonella include:

• contaminated drinking water and food
• contaminated feces
• raw eggs or meat
• reptiles

The recalled cat food was exclusively sold at Wal-Mart locations in the mid-West and throughout Eastern seaboard, particularly in:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia

As of yet, no one has yet reported illness (affecting either a human or animal) as a result of handling or consuming this cat food.

However, the Mars Company, in accordance with the FDA, has advised pet owners who possess this product to:

• throw the food away in a sealed bag so no other animals get to it

• bring the empty bag to Wal-Mart for a full refund

Because salmonella can easily spread from food to pets to humans, it's essential that those handling this recalled cat food thoroughly wash their hands following contact with the contaminated product.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infections
In most cases, the symptoms of a salmonella infection will arise within 12 to 72 hours following exposure to and ingestion of this bacterium. While the precise symptoms a person will experience varies from individual to individual, the most common symptoms of salmonella infections include:

• abdominal pains
• bloody stool
• confusion
• constipation
• coughing
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• fever
• headache
• slower heartbeat (bradycardia)

In healthy individuals, namely those without weakened immune systems, salmonella infections typically last between four and seven days.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infections in Pets
Identifying a salmonella infection in your pet can be a bit more difficult, as your pet can't tell you that it feels uncomfortable or sick. However, the following can indicate that your pet is suffering from a salmonella infection:

• diarrhea (which may contain blood)
• fatigue
• fever
• general weakness
• vomiting

If you suspect that your pet has been infected with salmonella, visit your pet's vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment. Making sure that your pet gets over his salmonella infection is not only important to your pet's health but also to your own, as this bacteria can easily spread from contaminated pet to person.

(Source: FDA)

Have you or your pet been harmed by a recalled product or a product contaminated with salmonella? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced recall attorney who will provide you with the legal support you need to pursue your legal claim.

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