CDC Links Outbreak of Bacterial Infection to Petland Puppies

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on September 16, 2017

A sudden outbreak of campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection that results in those suffering from it to experience high fevers, diarrhea, and pain in the abdominal area, has led investigators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to train their eyes on the popular pet store chain Petland. According to the report from the CDC, Petland, a place where many people go in order to purchase puppies, has been selling dogs that are carrying the disease.

The initial investigation concluded that just under 40 people have become ill due to contact with puppies sold at Petland since September 15th of last year. These individuals come from seven different states, with the highest number of people being located within Ohio and Florida. Other states connected with the outbreak of campylobacteriosis include Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kansas, and Missouri. Although none of the outbreaks resulted in death, nine of the people suffering were admitted to hospitals.

For those who purchased the infected dogs and then became ill, symptoms usually became apparent between two and five days after coming into contact with the aggressive bacteria. Usually found in poultry that is raw or undercooked, it is not currently known why so many of the dogs sold by Petland carried the illness. Of the 39 people who became ill as a result of the bacteria, 12 of them are employees at Petland stores, leading to questions regarding the large corporation’s safety standards.

A statement from a spokesperson for Petland indicated that the CDC has yet to discover any systemic malfunction within Petland’s puppy acquisition and distribution chain itself, and that the company, in a response to the outbreak, will begin amping up its education of both staff and customers regarding proper hygiene around the animals sold in the shops.

While the campylobacteriosis strain usually does not require any treatment for sufferers to recover within five days, it is believed that for elderly individuals, infants, and those with weakened immune systems the infection could become quite serious, resulting in paralysis or death. As of this writing, none of those who contracted the bacteria from Petland’s puppies experienced the extreme end of the illness’ spectrum.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.