Canine Cases of Extensively-Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Linked to Multistate Outbreak Associated with Artificial Tears

Date:8/14/2023
Official Message No.:111848-8-14-2023-PHAD
Contact Info: Emma | Emma.Price@doh.nj.gov
Darby | Darby.McDermott@doh.nj.gov
Attachments: Yes Attachment 1 Attachment 2

Key Points or Updates:   

  1. A rare strain of carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) has been isolated from two canine patients at a New Jersey veterinary facility. The strain is associated with a multi-state outbreak in humans linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma Artificial Ointment. 


Action Items:   

  1. Immediately discontinue using EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Ointment on animal patients pending additional guidance from CDC and FDA.?NJDOH would like to remind animal health professionals to subscribe to alerts regarding recalls of products and medications that may be used on their animal patients- the product recall can be found on FDA’s recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alert web page. 


  1. Veterinarians should contact NJDOH CDS to report cultures from any animal body site with P. aeruginosa resistant to carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, or doripenem) and not susceptible to cefepime and ceftazidime collected on or after January 1, 2022.?? 


This information has been broadcast to: Health Care Facilities/Other; Health Care Providers; Labs/Non-Sentinel; Labs/Sentinel; Local Boards of Health; Always Include Middlesex County;