Puppy-related illness outbreak found in Wyoming

The Centers for Disease Control are warning the public to be vigilant about washing your hands after petting puppies and dogs. An infection resistant to many drugs has been linked to contact with pet store puppies and has so far been reported in 13 states, including Wyoming.

Of the 13 states that have reported seeing cases of Campylobacter jejuni, Wyoming has so far only experienced one case of the total 30. Utah and Nevada have also reported cases (three and four cases respectively), with the remaining 22 cases all occurring further east.

Four hospitalizations have been reported, with no deaths so far, and evidence indicates that contact with puppies, especially those at pet stores, is the likely source. Most of the 24 people interviewed after contracting the disease reported contact with a puppy, and 71 percent said they had had contact with a puppy from a pet store.

The bacteria associated with the illness are resistant to first-line antibiotics. Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps and fever around two to five days after exposure, generally lasting around one week.

An investigation into the outbreak began on December 17, using a national subtyping network to identify more cases that could be part of the outbreak.

The CDC recommends not allowing dogs to lick around your face and mouth or near open wounds and broken skin; and washing hands thoroughly after touching a puppy or dog, handling their food and cleaning up after them.

If selecting a new pet, choose one who is bright, alert and playful, as signs of the illness include lethargy, lack of appetite, abnormal breathing and diarrhea. However, according to the CDC, even a dog that appears healthy can spread germs to people and other animals.

If your dog becomes sick soon after adoption or purchase, take it to a vet promptly and inform the store, breeder or rescue organization.