Frequently Asked Questions

Salmon Poisoning Disease is caused by a bacteria (Neorickettsia) that lives inside a parasite (Nanophyetus) that can infect salmon and trout. Dogs can catch the illness when they eat raw or undercooked salmon or trout that is infected with the disease. Dogs become very ill from the bacteria, but not from the parasite. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, severe lethargy, physical collapse, and possible death. The disease causes no harm to the fish itself.

Humans who eat raw fish or who do not practice good sanitation in preparing fish can become infected by the parasite (but not the bacteria), and experience intestinal illness, usually mild.

Salmon Poisoning Disease can be found anywhere west of the Cascade Range, including northern California. It is not found in southern California waters. However, fish planted from northern waters can carry the disease. Local fishermen and veterinarians in southern California need to be aware of the potential presence of the disease.

• Never allow dogs to eat any raw fish or fish products.
• Fishermen should always use excellent sanitation practices when cleaning.
• If your dog has eaten raw fish caught from a local lake and becomes ill, mention the fish to your veterinarian immediately.