Insect Repellent, Antiviral Drug Detected in Jerky Pet Treats for Dogs

Chicken jerky treats consumed by dogs that became sick over the past few month have now been found to be tainted by the insect repellent N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, better known as DEET, as well as the antiviral drug amantadine.

This is according to a veterinary pathologist leading an independent probe of the ongoing pet treat mystery.  For more information, click this link to read the article by the Veterinary Information Network News Service.

3 Brands of Chicken Jerky Treats Implicated in Causing Illness in Dogs

According to FDA records obtained by MSNBC.com, 3 brands of chicken jerky treats made in China have been connected to multiple canine illnesses following their consumption.

Brands most often cited in Priority 1 cases — instances in which the animal was younger than 11 years old and medical records were available — included Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky or tenders, produced by Nestle Purina PetCare, and Milo's Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, manufactured by Del Monte.

See the MSNBC/Vitals blog for the complete story.

FDA Released Q & A Regarding Jerky Treats from China

Continued complaints of dogs becoming ill after consuming chicken jerky treats from China has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to release a document entitled, "Questions and Answers Regarding Chicken Jerky Treats from China."

Click the link to go to the FDA website to read the content of this informative Q & A document.

Movement to Ban Chicken Jerky Treats Gains Momentum

The FDA has received some 600 complaints that chicken jerky treats from China are causing kidney disease, and in some cases death, in dogs across the U.S. But since extensive testing hasn't confirmed a contaminant, the FDA is only warning consumers about a possible problem. Newer tests, which are looking for heavy metal contaminants, are still pending.

Owners are pushing for further action, and one owner-geared Facebook group on the issue now has over 2,600 members (1).  The same group has posted a YouTube video that outlines the situation (2). One petition demanding the ban of jerky treats from China has acquired more than 3,300 signatures (3).

For more information, see the article posted today on the Food Safety News.com (4).

Links:

1. Facebook Group. Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China!
2. YouTube Video. Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China! 
3. Care2petitionsite. Ban All Poisonous Chicken Jerky Treats Imported From China
4. Andrews, J. Dogs fall ill as owners, vets, and lawmakers blame treats from China. Food Safety News. March 9, 2012.