News Flash, April 5, 2007:

Yet another type of dog treat has been found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The latest recall is on American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews, manufactured by T.W. Enterprises of Ferndale, Washington. Although this latest contamination is not related to the melamine poisoning found in the wheat gluten portion of other recalled dog products, dog owners should beware of these chews. Not only can the Salmonella harm your dog, but it can also be transferred to humans from skin to mouth contact.

In humans, Salmonella can cause fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to more serious problems. In dogs, Salmonella can also cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

For more nformation on this latest contamination, please read the FDA bulletin.

News Flash, March 25, 2007:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- North Bergen, NJ -- March 23, 2007 --
> Petrapport, Inc. is voluntarily recalling pig ear dog treats it
> imported from a Chilean company during the period August 2006 through
> December 2006 because the pig ears have the potential to be
> contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious
> infections in dogs, and, if there is cross contamination, young
> children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune
> systems.
>
> Laboratory testing has confirmed that samples of Full-Cut Pig Ears dog
> treats sold by BJ's Wholesale Club in 25-count packages under the
> "Berkley & Jensen" brand with no lot number and only the expiration
> advisory "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month)
> were contaminated with Salmonella.
>
> Additional testing of other pig ear dog treats from shipments during
> the above time period has not revealed any additional evidence of
> Salmonella contamination, but Petrapport nonetheless is voluntarily
> recalling them out of an abundance of caution due to concern that the
> pig ears imported during this period may not have been effectively
> irradiated for Salmonella before shipment from Chile.
>
> The voluntary recall includes dog treats sold by BJ's Wholesale Club
> in its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog
> treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisories "BEST IF
> USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) as well as "BEST
> IF USED BY SEPTEMBER 2009," "BEST IF USED BY OCTOBER 2009," "BEST IF
> USED BY NOVEMBER 2009," and "BEST IF USED BY DECEMBER 2009."
>
> Also included within this voluntary recall are the following lots of
> pig ear dog treats sold in bulk by other retailers under the
> "Petrapport" brand:
>
> ITEM #
> PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
> RECALLED LOT #S
> 8915
>
> Bulk Low Fat Pig Ears
> 101808 & 102108
> 8772P
>
> Two Pack Bulk Pig Ears
> 101707
> 8770P
>
> 12 Pack Bulk Pig Ears
> 101707
> 8774P
>
> 24 Pack Bulk Pig Ears
>
> 101907
> 7416
>
> 1 lb. Bulk Pig Ear Strips
>
> 101907
> 7425
>
> 24 oz. Bulk Pig Ear Strips
> 5039
>
> Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these dog
> treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands
> after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these
> products. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience
> fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal
> pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in
> the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe
> illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms),
> endocarditis and arthritis. Consumers exhibiting these signs after
> having contact with this product should contact their healthcare
> providers.
>
> Dogs that become ill from Salmonella generally will have a fever and
> diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem
> more tired that usual, and may have vomiting. Some dogs do not have
> diarrhea, but will have decreased appetite, fever and excess
> salivation. If your dog has consumed the recalled product and is
> exhibiting these signs, please contact your veterinarian.
>
> While there have been no confirmed illnesses to date, consumers should
> immediately stop feeding these treats to their dogs. These products
> have been removed from the sales floors and the sales inventories of
> all retailers.
>
> Consumers who purchased any of the above-identified pig ear dog treats
> should discontinue use of the products and may return the unused
> portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
>
> Consumers who have further questions may contact Petrapport at
> 800-447-3872 extension 110.

News Flash, March 17, 2007:

Pet owners beware! Menu Foods, a manufacturer of pet foods sold under numerous brand names, issued a recall today on all "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat foods sold in cans and pouches after learning of at least 10 pet deaths so far, all suffering from vomiting and eventual kidney failure after eating the suspect foods. Approximately 95 brands of dog and cat food have been recalled across North America from retailers such as Safeway, PetSmart, Walmart and Kroger. The most widely known brands affected include Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. In a related move, Nestle Purina and Hill's Pet Nutrition also announced a voluntary recall of their brand names which have been manufactured by Menu Foods.

It is speculated that the affected foods all contain wheat gluten which was manufactured by a new supplier of the ingredient, although it is still too early to determine the specific cause of the problem.

Recalled dog foods to date:

America's Choice, Preferred Pets; Authority; Award; Best Choice; Big Bet; Big Red; Bloom; Cadillac; Companion; Demoulas Market Basket; Eukanuba; Food Lion; Giant Companion; Great Choice; Hannaford; Hill Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Iams; Laura Lynn; Loving Meals; Meijer's Main Choice; Mighty Dog Pouch; Mixables; Nutriplan; Nutro Max; Nutro Natural Choice; Nutro Ultra; Nutro; Ol'Roy Canada; Ol'Roy US; Paws; Pet Essentials; Pet Pride - Good n Meaty; Presidents Choice; Price Chopper; Priority Canada; Priority US; Publix; Roche Brothers; Save-A-Lot Choice Morsels; Schnucks; Springfield Prize; Sprout; Stater Brothers; Stop & Shop Companion; Tops Companion; Wegmans Bruiser; Weis Total Pet; Western Family US; White Rose; Winn Dixie; and Your Pet.

Pet owners should check your supplies of wet pet foods against the manufacturer's complete list of affected brand names to ensure your pet's health, or you may call (866) 463-6738 or (866) 895-2708 for more information.

Update, March 23, 2007:

According to news sources, aminopterin, a rat poison, has been found in the tainted dog foods. This substance is a drug used in the treatment of cancer, and was also used at one time to induce abortions. It is currently used in some countries as a rat poison. In high doses, aminopterin is toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. It is still unclear how the substance ended up in the pet food at this time.

A class action lawsuit has been initiated, and at this time, “to the extent that we identify that the cause of any expenses incurred are related to the food, Menu will take responsibility for that.”

Update, March 30, 2007:

According to FDA reports, traces of melamine, a substance used to manufacture plastic, were found in tainted pet foods. The FDA failed to confirm the presence of the rat poison aminopterin in the food, as identified earlier last week by the New York State Food Laboratory.