Preventing Campylobacter Infection from Puppies
- Healthy dogs can carry Campylobacter bacteria and other germs that can make people sick.
- Some strains (kinds) of Campylobacter have spread to people through contact with dogs, especially pet store puppies.
- CDC's advice to pet owners and pet store workers can help you stay healthy around these animals.
Prevention tips
Advice to Pet Owners
Take these steps to stay healthy around your dog
- Wash your hands
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching your dog, after handling their food, and after cleaning up after them.
- Adults should make sure young children are washing their hands properly.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands with soap and water.
- Play safely
- Don't let dogs lick around your mouth and face.
- Don't let dogs lick your open wound or areas with broken skin.
- Keep things clean
- Monitor your dog's health
- Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly to keep it healthy and to prevent the spread of disease.
- Only give your dog antibiotics when prescribed by the veterinarian and according to instructions.
If you are thinking of getting a pet dog
- Choose a dog that is bright, alert, and playful.
- Take your dog to a veterinarian for a health check-up within a few days after getting it.
- Be aware that even a dog that appears healthy can spread germs to people and other animals.
- If your dog becomes sick soon after purchase or adoption, take your dog to a veterinarian promptly and inform the pet store, breeder, or rescue organization about the illness or death. Thoroughly clean the area your dog lived in using a water and bleach solution.
Advice to Pet Store Workers
- Ask management for training on handwashing, clean-up procedures, and other illness prevention measures.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling dogs.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you handle dogs or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- These includes their food, treats, and food and water containers.
- Even a dog that appears healthy can spread germs to people and other animals.
- Eat and store food safely at the workplace.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
- Eat and drink in designated areas away from places where animals are kept and exercised.
- Keep your food away from areas where pet food and treats are stored, and away from areas where animals are kept or exercised.
- If a separate refrigerator isn't available for pet food, store food for people on top shelves, above food, treats, and other supplies for pets.
- Clean up messes safely.
- Clean up any pee, poop, or vomit immediately, and disinfect the area according to store protocols.
- Use disposable gloves for clean-ups and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Wash work shoes or boots, clothes, and equipment regularly, and do so in an area that is not used to store or prepare food for people.
- If possible, do not wear shoes or boots that you wear at the workplace in your home or when you go anywhere else.
- Report sick or injured animals following store protocols.
- Tell your employer if you are ill, especially if you or other employees have diarrhea or vomiting.
If you are in management
- Practice responsible use of antibiotics in pet stores. Antibiotics save human and animal lives. But, when antibiotics are used, they can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance.
- Only give antibiotics to animals under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
- Assure that veterinarians use appropriate diagnostic tests to ensure that antibiotics are needed and that animals receive the right treatment.
- Monitor and document antibiotic use.
- Tell breeders, brokers, and transporters who supply animals to your store about responsible use of antibiotics and the benefits of veterinary supervision of antibiotic use.
- Check with your local or state health department for guidance on reporting sick animals.
