State wildlife officials are warning dog owners that their pets may contract a potentially fatal bacterial infection if they eat Northern California freshwater fish.
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Consuming raw or cold smoked salmon, steelhead or trout, among others, could lead to a possibly deadly infection known as Salmon Poisoning Disease caused by a bacteria-like-organism, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a news release Friday.
Salmon Poisoning Disease is transmitted through parasitic flatworms, commonly found in Northern California freshwater. "All fish caught or originating from streams in Northern California could potentially be infected," department officials stated.
Symptoms of Salmon Poisoning Disease include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and rapid weight loss. If a dog owner notices any of these signs in their pet, they are urged to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The illness is treatable if dog owners respond quickly, however, about 90% of dogs who do not receive treatment will die within two weeks of the initial infection, officials said. Salmon Poisoning Disease does not affect humans. The bacteria can be killed if the fish is cooked.
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