Puppies to blame for drug-resistant infections

A study found puppies to be responsible for an outbreak of gastroenteritis across the U.S. Healthy puppies infected with the bacteria are thought to be the source of the infection. The puppies located at 6 pet store chains had been given antibiotics to prevent disease, but resulted in an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. Although dogs are known to spread the bacteria, they rarely cause outbreaks. Pet industry breeders, distributors, transporters, stores, and pet owners always face some risk of exposure to the bacteria, which is found in animal feces. Good sanitation habits are recommended.