Parker Waichman LLP

Frogs Responsible for Salmonella Outbreak Back in Stores

Despite over 240 illness, mostly in children under the age of 5, Blue Lobster Farms is resuming sales of a pet frog—the African Dwarf Frog—that has been linked to the an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium. The Washington Post noted that, in response, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning yesterday […]

Despite over 240 illness, mostly in children under the age of 5, Blue Lobster Farms is resuming sales of a pet frog—the African Dwarf Frog—that has been linked to the an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium.

The Washington Post noted that, in response, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning yesterday to consumers that Blue Lobster Farms’ African Dwarf Frog may still present significant health risks. Blue Lobster Farms is shipping the dangerous pet from its Madera County, California, breeding facility, said the Washington Post, adding that officials there could not be reached for comment.

Researchers from the California Department of Public Health took samples from houses in which there were African Dwarf Frogs and found the dangerous S. typhimurium outbreak strain. The investigation into 21 illnesses and two frog distributors led to the discovery of the California breeder as being the common frog source. Blue Lobster Farms, in response, stopped is shipping of the dangerous pets in April. The CDC pointed out that this breeder only sells the contaminated African dwarf frogs to distributors, not to pet stores or the public, said Pediatric Supersite previously.

CDC officials said that the Blue Lobster Farm breeding center was first identified as the outbreak source in 2010 and noted that water frogs, such as those involved in this outbreak, are typically kept in “home aquariums and fish tanks,” said MSNBC previously.

In 2009, we reported that a similar outbreak had sickened 48 people in 25 states; the outbreak is now in the hundreds with 70 percent of those children and 37 patients requiring hospitalization, as of this May. No fatalities were reported. Of those sickened, 65 percent interviewed had some contact with the African Dwarf Frog in the week prior to their failing ill. According to the researchers, people generally fell ill between 1 week to 8 months, with most becoming sick in about 15 days. Most people cited symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

The CDC is calling for vigilance concerning Salmonella linked to amphibians, such as pet frogs. “Persons at high risk for Salmonella infections, especially children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons, should avoid contact with frogs, water used by the frogs, and their habitats,” the researchers wrote, according to a prior Pediatric Supersite report

While generally associated with food poisoning, a growing percentage of Salmonella-related poisonings initiate with pet reptiles, which can carry a variety of Salmonella without symptoms, releasing the germ in their feces. Small pet reptiles are especially troublesome because they are often bred in crowded conditions and are more likely to be given to children as pets.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value You guys are exceptional very professional and understanding I would recommend your to anyone who needs help navigating the legal system
Denise Brown
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicole Marcano-Frias
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value The staff was compassionate and on point! Love my experience with them!
Millette Dukes
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038