ASPCA Issues Urgent Advisory As Pet Food Recall Widens Contaminant Found In New Protein Supplement—Not Just Wheat Gluten—for Pet Food
Urges Pet Parents to Stay Alert and Aware to New Developments in the
Recall
NEW YORK, April 18, 2007—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today urgently reminded pet
parents that the pet food recall crisis, which started almost five
weeks ago, is far from over—and, as such, pet parents need to stay
alert to new developments as well as the health of their pets.
“Until the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conclusively
identified all the contaminants in the affected pet food, where they
came from, and which products they were used in, we cannot consider
this crisis over,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified
toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages
the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its
Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.
“Further, the actual link between the adverse effects of melamine
and the illnesses or deaths of so many pets around the country is
still not clear and, as a result, what exactly is sickening and
killing our pets is still a mystery,” said Dr. Hansen.
Though the FDA has officially confirmed 16 animal deaths as being
linked conclusively to the recall, unofficial estimates, including
by those in the veterinary community, suggest the number of
recall-related deaths may be far higher, perhaps in the hundreds, or
even thousands.
“With the FDA today expanding the recall to include products
containing rice protein concentrate, it is imperative that we stay
abreast of recall news, and remain extremely vigilant to our pets’
wellbeing. If they show any of the signs generally attributed to
kidney failure—or illness in general—please take them to your
veterinarian immediately.”
Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh
Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City, agrees.
“Information about the recall is constantly changing, and we know
that can be confusing to pet parents. This is why we are updating
the ASPCA’s Pet Food Recall Resource Center on a real-time basis. I
strongly urge veterinarians and pet parents alike to try to keep up
with the news on this issue, whether via our Resource Center, or
other sources such as the FDA’s Web site.”
Drs. Hansen and Murray have the following important reminders for
pet parents:
- Be sure to closely follow news on the recall, since it is possible
more contaminants and contaminated ingredients may be identified,
extending the recall list even further. Visit the ASPCA’s Pet Food
Recall Resource Center frequently for updated information on the
current situation of the recall. “It is important for pet parents to
remember that this recall affects cats and dogs all over the
country,” said Dr. Hansen, “and the list of recalled products could
change any time. Please keep abreast of news related to this
crisis.”
- Until we know exactly what is making pets sick, continue to be
alert for early signs of a problem that may be recall-related, such
as excessive thirst, decreased appetite, or vomiting, and take your
pet to the veterinarian immediately. “This is especially important,
even if your pet’s food is not among those that have currently been
recalled,” said Dr. Murray.
- If your pet is ill, save any food you think may be contaminated,
instead of returning it to the store—even if it is a food not
currently on the recall list. “Even if you’re not sure what to do
with your pet’s food, freeze it, and ask your veterinarian for
further advice,” says Dr. Hansen. “(S)he may ask you to bring it in
for testing, which could help in the overall investigation of this
crisis.”
- Don’t assume that just because a certain product is still
available on a store shelf, it is safe. Because of the growing
number of additional recalls, store inventory may not reflect the
latest recalls. “This is extremely important,” said Dr. Murray. “As
recently as last week, we were still admitting pets into BMAH that
were unwittingly being fed contaminated products. It is critically
important for pet parents to check as to whether there have been any
additions to the recall list—especially since that list could change
overnight.”
- If you think your pet is critically ill and you can’t reach your
veterinarian immediately, please call the APCC for emergency advice
(a $55 fee applies). The APCC hotline is staffed 24/7 by
board-certified veterinary toxicologists, certified veterinary
technicians and veterinary assistants. “This is a call we hope
you’ll never have to make,” said Dr. Hansen, “but in the event you
are unable to reach your veterinarian in time, that phone call may
mean the difference between life and death for your pet.”
- The ASPCA also provides the following information to pet parents
(these and more are listed at the ASPCA’s Pet Food Recall Resource
Center):
- Adverse effects or deaths of pets linked to eating the
contaminated foods should be reported to the FDA.
- Visit the FDA’s resource site on the pet food recall.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wealth of
resources.
