The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is announcing that at least 21 people in Merrimack and Hillsborough Counties have been sickened with Salmonella associated with Joey’s Jerky brand Chicken Jerky, a pet food treat. DHHS said that the jerky treats were “implicated in spreading Salmonella”, and they have been recalled.
Confirmation through lab testing of the jerky is pending at New Hampshire Public Health Labs. That product is made in New Hampshire by Kritter’s Kitchen Kreations, which has voluntarily recalled all of the product. Joey’s Jerky was sold at America’s Pet in Hudson, Blue Seal in Bow, K9 Kaos in Dover, Osborne’s Agway in Concord, Sandy’s Pet Food Center in Concord, and The Yellow Dogs Barn in Barrington.
If you have any of these treats at home, discard them in a sealed container so other animals can’t get at them. Salmonella symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting within 12 to 72 hours of infection. Animals can exhibit symptoms of the illness too, including diarrhea and lethargy, but some may be carriers of the bacteria and show no symptoms at all. Dr. Jose Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS, said in a statement, “while uncommon, pet food and treats can sometimes be contaminated with Salmonella, which is why it is so important for pet owners to wash their hands after handling pet food and treats.”
