Pet Store Chain Probed Over Sick Puppies
Posted on: Tuesday, 28 March 2006, 21:00 CST
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Agriculture is investigating a pet store chain accused of selling puppies infected with a parasite.
Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has warned dog owners to be careful.
A total of 151 puppies at six locations of The Pet Company in the Atlanta area were examined. Of those, 138 tested positive for Giardia, a parasite that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
It is not clear how many infected dogs have been sold to the public. The state is seeking citations and fines against the New Windsor, N.Y.-based stores.
So far, there have been no reports of human infections, Irvin said. But he advised anyone who has bought a puppy from The Pet Company stores since January to have their dog checked by a veterinarian.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. They often appear one to two weeks after being infected and can last two to six weeks.
Investigators are trying to determine the source of the outbreak.
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
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