PET OWNERS URGED TO CHECK FOOD LABELS

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), the North Dakota State University Extension Service and the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association (NDVMA) are urging pet owners to determine if their dogs and cats have eaten recalled pet foods, and to call their veterinarian immediately if they think their animals have been affected.

"The list of recalled pet foods is growing and now includes wet foods for dogs and cats, and at this time one brand of dry cat food," said Dr. Louis Pinkerton, Minot, NDVMA president.

Pinkerton said the symptoms in dogs that have eaten contaminated food include increased thirst and urination and vomiting. Symptoms in cats may be more dramatic and include sudden illness, weight loss and possible sudden death.

Information for pet owners, including links to the websites of pet food manufacturers with recalled products can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association website at www.avma.org  This website will direct you to www.menufoods.com as well as Del Monte, Purina and Hills which each have items they are pulling from shelves.

The  website is also linked to the U.S. Food and Drug Agency's website which has a list of frequently asked questions and a list of resources for pet owners. Pinkerton encouraged pet owners to check the AVMA website frequently. Diet changes should be discussed with their veterinarians.

Pet owners who suspect animals have been affected by contaminated food should contact the FDA complaint coordinator at (612) 758-7221. When reporting an adverse event or complaint, the caller should have the following information available:

• · Brand name and lot numbers for the pet food fed to the dog or cat when it was ill;

• · The name, address, and telephone number of attending veterinarian;

• · Date illness first noticed;

• · Signs and symptoms;

• · Any veterinary reports available.

Any veterinarians with case files and autopsy results related to renal failure cases that involve clients who were feeding recalled foods should contact the FDA complaint coordinator.

The FDA now believes that the chemical melamine, used in manufacturing plastics and as a fertilizer, contaminated wheat gluten used as a binder in the pet foods. The FDA on Monday stopped imports from Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. Ltd., the sole supplier of the wheat gluten found in the recalled foods. North Dakota Department of Agriculture inspectors are visiting retail locations that sell pet food, checking for recalled pet foods still on the shelves.

Owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian if they have questions concerning their pets and the pet food recall. Questions may also be directed to Dr. Charlie Stoltenow, NDSU extension veterinarian, at (701)231-7522.