Jerky Treat Recall: FDA Claims 500 Dogs Have Died

Jerky pet treats manufactured in China may be linked to the deaths of approximately 500 dogs, according to officials with the Food and Drug Administration.

A new estimation of complaints filed with the agency point to over 2,600 reported cases of illness possibly associated with the treats. The complaints received involved 3,243 canines, 501 of which resulted in death. In addition, one death was among the nine illnesses reported involving feline victims.

NBC News reports that the Food and Drug Administration has not yet solidified a direct link between the animals’ illnesses and consumption of the treats in question. However, testing by New York state agriculture officials prompted two major retailers to issue a voluntary recall of the jerky treats.

Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats made by Nestle Purina PetCare Co. have been voluntarily removed from shelves, as have Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats from Del Monte Corp.

Also joining the recall is Publix, which removed its Chicken Tenders Dog Chew Treats, and IMS Pet Industries Inc., which added its Cadet Brand Chicken Jerky Treats to the recall list.

According to KY3-TV News, the recall comes on the heels of test findings issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Results showed that trace amounts of antibiotic residue in the jerky products, made in China, were not significant enough to cause harm.

The Food and Drug Administration plans to continue investigation into the jerky treats and what part they may have played in the 500 canine deaths. The agency also issued warnings in 2007 and 2008 regarding animal illnesses related to the jerky products. Following a lull in cases over the following two years, the agency has seen the numbers rise again since 2011.

Will your pet be affected by the jerky treat recall?