FDA Update on Jerky Pet Treat Investigation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its ongoing investigation into illnesses and deaths in animals that ate jerky pet treats.

Reported cases have been on the decline in recent years. Since FDA’s last update in September 2014 and through the end of 2015, there have been 200 reports received. During the previous period (from the update in May 2014 to September 2014) 270 cases were reported.

Since the investigation began in 2007 through December 31, 2015, FDA has received approximately 5,200 complaints of illness associated with consumption of chicken, duck, or sweet potato jerky treats, most of which involve products imported from China.

The reports involve more than 6,200 dogs, 26 cats, three people, and include more than 1,140 canine deaths.

FDA continues to investigate the cause of these illnesses in conjunction with the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN).

During the investigation, FDA detected antimicrobial and antiviral residues in an imported duck jerky product and added duck jerky products to the testing methodology in 2015. As a result of this testing, FDA revised its existing Import Alert in October 2015 to include certain poultry jerky-type pet treats.

The agency continues to caution pet owners that jerky pet treats are not required for a balanced diet, and encourage them to consult with their veterinarians if they notice symptoms in their pets, such as decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

The majority of complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, yams, or rawhide.

If you believe your pet has become ill from consuming a jerky pet treat, please report it electronically through FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal or by phone to your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

Five Nutrish Wet Cat Food Varieties Recalled

Five wet cat food varieties by Nutrish have been voluntarily recalled due to potentially elevated vitamin D levels. Nutrish is one of three business units owned by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. The affected lines include: Ocean Fish-a-licious, Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, Tuna Purrfection, and certain lot codes of Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver. Excess vitamin D occurred due to high levels of vitamin D found in the fish ingredients.

After excessive consumption of vitamin D symptoms become apparent within 12-36 hours. Symptoms of excess vitamin D include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, muscle tremors, and seizures. Affected cats should receive immediate veterinary care. There are currently 11 known cats that have been affected by Nutrish food.

Production of the affected lines has been put on hold and Ainsworth is removing all affected products from the market. Jeff Watters, CEO, said "At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority. For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere."

More information may be found on the FDA website.

Nylabone Recalls Puppy Starter Kit due to Salmonella

Nylabone Products has recalled one lot of their 1.69oz Puppy Starter Kit dog chews. The chews have potential Salmonella contamination. The potentially affected product is from Lot #21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, expiry 3/22/18. The Puppy Starter Kits were sold in Canada through an online mail order facility. Any consumers that have the potentially contaminated product should discontinue use and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions may call 1-877-273-7527.

Salmonella poses a risk to animals and humans. People infected by Salmonella may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The FDA recommends that purchasers of the 1.69oz Puppy Starter Kit dog chews with symptoms should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infection may have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Some pets will only experience decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets that are healthy in appearance may be carriers of Salmonella and can pass it on to other people and animals. According to the FDA, any animal that has consumed the potentially affected product should contact their veterinarian.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE