Petrapport, Inc., a New Jersey-based manufacturer of dog treats, is voluntarily recalling pig ear dog treats it imported from a Chilean company because the pig ears have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, the company announced March 23.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs. Dogs that become ill from salmonella generally will have a fever and diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more tired than usual, and may experience vomiting. Some dogs may also exhibit decreased appetite and excess salivation, the company said.

"Food safety is important not only for human health, but animal health as well," said Dr. Roger K. Mahr, DVM, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "If any of your animals are exhibiting the signs, you should contact their veterinarian for examination and possible treatment."

Young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems may also contract salmonella if they come in contact with the product.

Laboratory testing has confirmed that samples of Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats sold by BJ's Wholesale Club in 25-count packages under the "Berkley & Jensen" brand with no lot number and only the expiration advisory "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) were contaminated with salmonella. BJ's Wholesale is a membership warehouse retail club operating more than 160 locations along the East Coast from Maine to Florida, and in Ohio.

Additional testing of other pig ear dog treats from shipments between August 2006 and December 2006 has not revealed any additional evidence of salmonella contamination, but Petrapport announced that it is voluntarily recalling them out of an abundance of caution due to concern that the pig ears imported during this period may not have been effectively irradiated for salmonella before shipment from Chile.

The voluntary recall includes dog treats sold by BJ's Wholesale Club in its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisories "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) as well as "BEST IF USED BY SEPTEMBER 2009," "BEST IF USED BY OCTOBER 2009," "BEST IF USED BY NOVEMBER 2009," and "BEST IF USED BY DECEMBER 2009."

Also included within this voluntary recall are the following lots of pig ear dog treats sold in bulk by other retailers under the "Petrapport" brand:

Bulk Low Fat Pig Ears: Lot Numbers 101808 and 102108

Two Pack Bulk Pig Ears: Lot Number 101707

12 Pack Bulk Pig Ears: Lot Number 101707

24 Pack Bulk Pig Ears: Lot Number 101907

1 lb. Bulk Pig Ear Strips: Lot Number 101907

24 oz. Bulk Pig Ear Strips: Lot Number 5039

While there have been no confirmed illnesses to date, consumers should immediately stop feeding these treats to their dogs. These products have been removed from the sales floors and the sales inventories of all retailers, the company said.

Consumers who purchased any of the above-identified pig ear dog treats should discontinue use of the products and can return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the company.

For more information, consumers should call Petrapport at 800-447-3872 Extension 110.