The United States Food and Drug Administration is looking into why 3,600 dogs and 10 cats have become sick or died from consuming jerky treats the administration reported on its website.
"This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," Bernadette Dunham, a veterinarian and head of the administration's vet medicine center said in a statement. "Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it."
Pets who eat the treats often do not want to eat as much, or do anything. They also vomit, and have diarrhea afterwards the Monitor reported. The pets can also collapse, experience convulsions or have skin issues. The treats include tenders, chicken strips, duck, sweet potatoes, or dried fruit.
According to the administration, animals with more serious cases have included kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and an unusual kidney disorder.
The administration has done 1,200 tests, gone to jerky pet treat manufacturing plants in China, and met with individuals at colleges, labs, and foreign governments. However, officials still do not know where the sickness originated from.
"To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses. Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs," Martin Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine told inquisitir.
The administration is suggesting individuals with affected animals not consume the product. The product has also been removed from store shelves throughout the country.
"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 group said in a statement.
Nestle Purina PetCare pulled back its infamous 'Waggin' Train, and Canyon Creek Ranch dog food at the beginning of the year. Del Monte Corps Milo's Kitchen chicken jerky, and chicken grillers dog treats have also been recalled.
