Jerky treats leave nearly 600 dogs dead in 'mysterious outbreak', FDA says

Fox News ^ | 10-23-2013 | Fox News

[sheikdetailfeather]

Federal health officials are warning pet owners to be cautious about feeding their dogs jerky treats as they continue to investigate a treat-related illnesses that has left nearly 600 dogs dead and sickened more than 3,000 others.

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.

"This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. "Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it."

The agency has received reports from pet owners and veterinarians about jerky pet treat-related illnesses affecting 3,600 dogs and 10 cats in the U.S. since 2007. Approximately 580 of those pets have died, according to a news release.

[sheikdetailfeather]

For everyone who may have a dog or know someone who does...

[shadeaud]

Cops in California must be truly pissed for the decrease of targets.

[GeronL]

and yet they don’t ban them

here is an idea

give them real beef jerky, kind of expensive though

[sheikdetailfeather]

10 cats were affected since ‘07 per the article.

[mlizzy]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it!

[MeshugeMikey]

Thank You

Damn The Chicoms

[AppyPappy]

Mysterious? They are Chinese.

[alloysteel]

The Chines had been pulling things like putting finely ground melamine scrap into pet food rations, because when a test was made for “crude protein”, the melamine showed up as “protein”. But it is totally indigestible, and causes its own variety of mischief to the metabolism of household pets.

The fact is, ruminants CAN use things like melamine and urea as protein sources, but that is because the microbiota that live in their rumen “stomachs” converts the nitrogen compounds into various kinds of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

[sheikdetailfeather]

You are welcome. It is very important to get the word out quickly to any pet owners. I know our pets are family.

[bkopto]

Much of the apple juice and honey in the stores are from China.

I NEVER eat any food from China.

[MeshugeMikey]

Indeed Im ready to make several phone calls

[Gator113]

We buy beef liver and bake it. Then we cut it into very small bite/treat size pieces. My boy would kill for a liver treat. ;>)

[null and void]

I think “inscrutable” would have worked there...

[skeeter]

Look for the Made in USA mark on your food, dog or otherwise.

Anyone who ingests or causes others to ingest food from China should be committed.

[null and void]

I NEVER eat any food from China.

You are aware that the FDA allows Chinese chicken to be labeled "Made In USA", aren't you?

[null and void]

Look for the Made in USA mark on your food, dog or otherwise.

You are aware that the FDA allows Chinese chicken to be labeled "Made In USA", aren't you?

[null and void]

Are We Crazy? USDA To Label Chinese-Processed Chicken As ‘Made In America’

[skeeter]

No. Neither should I be surprised.

I come from a generation that could pretty much trust the FDA.

Seems every facet of government has become corrupt.

[null and void]

On the bright side, pretty much all of the House of Representatives will be on two jets flying to Florida for a funeral tomorrow.

A single mid-air collision would enable that most transparent of occupiers of the Spite House to consolidate power and literally clean house...

[skeeter]

Good heavens, thanks for the happy thought.