As of September 24, 2013, FDA has received approximately 3000 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats. The reports involve more than 3600 dogs, 10 cats and include more than 580 deaths.
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued an alert to consumers about the illnesses and deaths tied to jerky treats from China. Officials say the exact cause of the illnesses remains unknown. The Food and Drug Administration is trying to solve the mystery surrounding the illnesses and deaths and are hoping pet owners and veterinarians can help them figure out what exactly may be causing the illnesses.
Although the FDA has noted a decrease in reports of illnesses from earlier this year. Officials say the number of reports may have declined because fewer jerky treats were available to consumers when several products were removed from store shelves after a New York state lab reported finding evidence of up to six drugs in certain jerky treats made in china. (Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky Treats and Chicken Grillers, made by Del Monte, and Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats, made by Nestle Purina).
How do you know if your pet is sick? Within hours of eating the treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination. Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder. About 60 percent of cases involved gastrointestinal illness, and about 30 percent involved kidney and urinary systems.
The agency urges pet owners to be cautious about providing jerky treats. If you do provide them and your pet becomes sick, stop the treats immediately, consider seeing your veterinarian, and save any remaining treats and the packaging for possible testing.
The FDA is working on solving the mystery and you can read what they are doing to identify what is the cause is here.
UPTON DAILY 