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Salmonella contamination and animalsColorado Alamosa area residents and visitors are advised to immediately stop using tap water from the city's water system for drinking and cooking and to begin using bottled water until further notice. With this warning, also comes concern for area pets and livestock. Salmonellosis affects animals much like humans. It is a digestive disorder caused by a Salmonella bacteria. Clinical manifestations range from no abnormal clinical signs to acute infection; commonly seen signs are depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Infection can occur via contamination of the environment, feed, or water or by contact with animals actively shedding the bacteria. The ability of the bacteria to cause infection is related to how many bacteria are potentially ingested. Healthy animals with low exposure to the bacteria aren't likely to develop the disease; animals with weakened immune systems or who have high levels of exposure in feed or water that are ingested can cause infection. The Salmonella bacteria can live in the environment for short periods of time but can only live in the presence of organic debris. Sunlight or common disinfectants are able to kill the bacteria. If your pets or livestock exhibit any of the signs of salmonellosis, consult your veterinarian for proper treatment. Prevention would involve the same precautions as with humans; provide boiled water, bottled or purified water or water from a well. From the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association: As many of you know, there is a problem with Salmonella contamination of the public water supply in Alamosa, Colo., with multiple human cases of Salmonella. As a precaution, CVMA is distributing general information on Salmonella as well as reporting requirements and procedures. The following answers for frequently asked questions are being distributed through the COHELP line of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. --Can my pet become infected with Salmonella? Yes, many types of animals can become infected with Salmonella, including pets, livestock, rodent, reptiles and many others. When infected, some animals may become quite ill with fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Some animals, however, may not show any signs of illness when exposed to Salmonella or may show very mild signs. --Can my pets drink the contaminated tap water? No, please give your pets bottled water or water that has been boiled. --What should I do if my pet shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea or fever? If your pet shows signs of illness, including fever, loss of energy, vomiting or diarrhea, they should be examined as soon as possible by your veterinarian. Salmonella is a serious disease in pets, but is typically very treatable by your veterinarian. --What precautions should I take after handling animals or cleaning up after animals? After handling or cleaning up after animals you should wash your hands thoroughly. If working in livestock areas, remove contaminated boots and coveralls before entering your home. Don't eat food in livestock areas. --Can livestock get Salmonella? Yes, livestock may become infected and may occasionally become ill (particularly horses), showing fever, diarrhea and dehydration. Some livestock, however, may show mild of minimal signs and can appear normal while shedding Salmonella in the manure. Good hand washing practices and not wearing contaminated boots and clothes into your home will help reduce the chances of exposure to Salmonella from livestock. --Are children, elderly people or those with impaired immune systems at higher risk? Yes, these groups are at higher risk of Salmonella from any source, including animals. Families should actively teach their children good hand washing practices. --Where can I find more information on Salmonella in animals? For more information on Salmonella in animals, visit: http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/nontyphoidal_salmonellosis_F.PDF. 3/31/08 Date: 3/26/08
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