Press Release 03/28/2006
Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689
Six Pet Company Stores Quarantined for Giardia
Infectious Parasite Found in Metro Atlanta
ATLANTA-- A highly infectious parasite that travels between pets and humans has been found in 138 puppies at Pet Company stores in metro Atlanta, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.
“I am cautioning everyone, especially small children and pregnant women, if you have bought a puppy from the Pet Company since January, and you have come down with flu-like symptoms, you need to see your physician,” Irvin warns.
Irvin confirms that the parasite, giardia, was found at six Pet Company stores in metro Atlanta. Late last week, state inspectors quarantined and placed “stop movement orders” on those facilities and tested 151 puppies of which 138 have tested positive today.
“We are still inspecting, checking records and following leads for the source of this outbreak. We are especially concerned with any outbreak that can be transferred from pets to humans,” said Irvin.
Giardia, a highly infectious microscopic parasite, lodges in the intestine of an animal or person. It remains there until killed by an antibiotic. Symptoms -- diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea -- often appear one to two weeks after being infected. In a healthy person, the symptoms of giardiasis will last two to six weeks.
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