Jerky pet treats have been linked to an unknown illness in 3,600 dogs and 10 cats in the U.S., reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is requesting that pet owners or veterinarians contact the agency if their pet has become sick after eating jerky treats.  Thus far, 580 of the pets that have become sick have died since 2007.

Within hours of eating treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea that may include blood or mucus, increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.  Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder. About 60 percent of cases involved gastrointestinal illness and about 30 percent involved kidney and urinary systems.

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has conducted more than 1,200 tests, but has still not been able to determine the cause of the illness.  In addition, the CVM has visited the manufacturers of the jerky treats in China and collaborated with public and private organizations to gain further insight, but has not found any answers yet.  To get to the root cause of this outbreak, the FDA is conducting inspections, continuing tests, and collaborating with others.

This is not the first incident to involve jerky pet treat products.  Earlier this year, Nestle Purina PetCare Company voluntarily recalled certain dog treat product brands it owned, reports Waggin’ Train, one of the brands recalled.  After the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets found trace amounts of antibiotic in samples of the treats, the company was asked to remove those products from retail establishments in New York.  The company went one step further and chose to take the voluntary recall route.

The antibiotics found have not been approved for use in the U.S., but are permitted in China and some member states of the European Union.  Additionally, there has been no evidence to connect the use of these antibiotics to the mysterious illness stemming from jerky pet treats.  No other products from the Purina PetCare Company have been affected.

A fact sheet from the FDA reminds consumers that treats are not a necessary part of a balanced diet for pets.  Commercially available pet foods contain all the nutrients a pet needs.  The FDA also reminds consumers of the symptoms, who to call in case of an illness, and procedure to follow to help the FDA in its investigation.