Pennsylvania health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that may have been caused by close contact with dogs that ate Salmonella-contaminated food.  Lancaster online reported today:

The illness being investigated by the health department is caused by an uncommon strain of salmonella called schwarzengrund. Most of the infections occurred in households with pets or where people are in close contact with pets, but there is no evidence any human consumed pet food.

"While the department is working very closely with federal investigators to identify a specific cause and source for these illnesses, it is important that pet owners understand and follow steps to prevent salmonella infection from occurring," state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson said.

Newsinferno also covered the story:

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said that it is working in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration to determine the source of the Salmonella poisoning. There are usually around 2,000 cases of Salmonella in Pennsylvania each year. The Pennsylvania outbreak is only the latest bout of Salmonella poisoning to make news recently. In February, more than 600 people were sickened by Salmonella-tainted Peter Pan and Good Value brand peanut butters. This summer, another outbreak that sickened nearly 100 people was traced to seasoning used on Veggie Booty snack mix. And in July, over 700 people in the Chicago area became ill from Salmonella after they ate at the Pars Cove Restaurant food booth at the Taste of Chicago Food Festival.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued recommendations for purchasing and properly handling dry dog food in a press release that also contained information about the outbreak:

Since January 2006, Pennsylvania has identified 21 individuals with illness caused by a specific strain of Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. Many of the illnesses linked to this strain involve infants and young children, who are especially vulnerable to Salmonella infections. Most of the cases have occurred in households with pets or where people are in close contact with pets, but there is no evidence that any human consumed pet food.

“While the department is working very closely with federal investigators to identify a specific cause and source for these illnesses, it is important that pet owners understand and follow steps to prevent Salmonella infection from occurring,” Dr. Johnson said.