Pet Store Puppies Linked to Multi-drug Resistant Campylobacter Outbreak in a Dozen States

Over the past several months, there have been a series of news reports about an outbreak of a multi-drug resistant bacteria infections linked to puppies purchased from a pet store chain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and several state agencies are investigating the outbreak.

At least 55 cases of Campylobacter infections in 12 states have already been identified and are believed to be linked to the puppies. Some of the infected people are employees of the pet store company while many others recently purchased or visited a puppy at one of the company’s stores. Over a dozen of the infected people have been hospitalized so far.

Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that causes an infectious disease known as campylobacteriosis. It is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.”

“Most past outbreaks due to Campylobacter infections have been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry and produce,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “However, pets and other animals can also be infected. People can then get infected from contact with the stool of an ill animal.”

To prevent these types of infections or to help pinpoint the source of outbreak if one has already occurred, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers environmental and food testing services for Campylobacter and a wide range of other microbial pathogens. These services are available to the public, health officials and industry professionals.

To learn more about microbial pathogen testing services or other environmental, health and safety concerns, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail