On the heels of a string of pet food recalls voluntarily posted recently by Diamond Pet Foods, the company has issued yet another recall in their product line — puppy food, specifically — because of salmonella.

Salmonella, also referred to as salmonellosis, causes digestive problems, and dogs will typically present with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. Other symptoms can occur.

Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be passed to humans as well, so care needs to be taken. Hand washing is a must — even when handling dry pet food that may be contaminated with the bacteria.

A statement Monday from the company said the latest recall involves its Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food. No illnesses with pets have been reported.

Distribution reaches to customers in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Consumers are asked to check and see if the puppy kibble in their possession bears the following production codes and 'best by' dates:

• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401B22XJW 6-Apr-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401A21XAW 6-Apr-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0101C31XME 11-Jan-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401B21XDJ 7-Apr-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0401B22XJW 6-Apr-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0101C31XME 11-Jan-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0101C31XRB 11-Jan-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 8 lb. DPP0401B2XALW 7-Apr-2013
• Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 6 oz. samples DPP0401

Because there are more than 2,000 strains of salmonella, it's the most common cause behind pet product recalls. Very young and very old pets are most susceptible to the bacteria and suffer the effects most profoundly. The most common symptoms associated with salmonella are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Companion animals presenting with symptoms are treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.

That being said, salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who consume the food. There is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the kibble or any surfaces exposed to any contaminated product.

The company notes that no illness have been reported, but if you have food produced under those production codes and "best by" dates, to discard the unused product.

In recent weeks, the company recalled batches of its Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula and Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice formulas.

Learn about the process of pet food recalls and how pet owners and veterinarians are a integral to them by clicking here.

If more formulas are added to the list, we'll include updates here on the pets section.

You can count on AnnArbor.com to have up-to-date information on pet product related recalls available. Search our archives of previous recalls here.

Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or would like more information may contact the company at 800-442-0402.

Click here for additional information.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email, contact her at 734-904-7279 or follow her adventures on Twitter.