Pet Store Illness Alert

[hallswel]

Another reason not to buy at a pet store

Pet store investigated for infected puppies

Associated Press

Published on: 03/28/06

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is investigating a pet store chain that is accused of selling infected puppies.

A total of 151 puppies at six metro Atlanta locations of The Pet Company were examined. Of those, 138 tested positive for giardia, a parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

It's not clear how many infected dogs have been sold. The state is seeking citations and fines against the stores.

The Pet Company operates at Cumberland Mall, Southlake Mall, Gwinnett Place, Town Center at Cobb, Arbor Place and the Mall at Stonecrest.

The company is based in New Windsor, N.Y.

Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvinsays so far there have been no reports of human infections. 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 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.

[mrskti]

scary.....