Pet store puppies linked to outbreak of drug-resistant infection

The Centers for Disease Control have linked an outbreak of drug-resistant infections in humans to pet-store puppies.

About 118 people -- including 29 of pet store employees --  in 18 states, including Massachusetts, were diagnosed with multi-drug resistant Campylobacter infection from Jan. 5, 2016 to Feb. 4, 2018.

The bacteria causes diarrhea, cramping, fever and abdominal pain, the health agency said on its website, and is generally treatable with antibiotics, if needed.

The CDC's investigation indicated that puppies from breeders and distributors sold through pet stores as the outbreak source. The strains were resistant to all commonly used antibiotics, the CDC said. Of the 149 puppies that were investigated, 142 of them received antibiotics before they were purchased.

The report also notes that it's likely more people will be infected with this particular strain:

This evidence, combined with the prolonged nature of the outbreak and the potential for puppy commingling, indicates a potential for continued transmission of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter industrywide, including at breeders, distributors, transporters, and stores, and ultimately in customers' homes. Although the investigation is completed, the risk for multidrug-resistant Campylobacter transmission to employees and consumers continues.

Cox Media Group