An Illinois company has recalled 2,705 boxes of pig ear pet chews because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Jones Natural Chews Co. of Rockford announced Tuesday that it is recalling the pig ears, which were shipped to distributors and retailers in 18 states between Sept. 15 and Nov. 2, 2010.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from the suspect batch of pig ears.

The Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears, also sold under Blain’s Farm and Fleet and Country Butcher brands, were distributed in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Salmonella can affect animals and people who handle contaminated 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 chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled products include:

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card-item upc 741956001047 lot 2420

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box upc 741956001467 lot 2700

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrink-wrapped item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420

— Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed-bag item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

— Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10-piece bag item upc 741956001405 lot 2560

— Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrink-wrapped item upc 741956001511 lot 2630

— Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrink-wrapped- tem upc 741956001146 lot 2420

— Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag item upc 741956001245 lot 2910

Consumers who purchased the pig ears are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may have some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.