Mystery Surrounds Pet Deaths in Food Recall

March 20, 2007

(CBS 5) The biggest maker of canned pet food in North America says it

still doesn't know what made dogs and cats sick across the country.

At least 10 animals have died, setting off a nationwide recall which

includes well-known brands Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.

The manufacturer also makes store brands for PetSmart, Safeway,

Wal-Mart and other chains.

In addition to those ten pets that died, we're now learning that seven

more cats and dogs died, out of about 50 who were deliberately fed the

food in tests by the Food and Drug Administration.

" He was a very active vibrant loving dog. In 5 days he got ill, he

died, " said pet owner .

She thinks the food she gave her German Shepherd is responsible for his death.

Bay Area emergency vets say they are being swamped with calls from

anxious pet owners and even other vets, asking for information.

Some of the signs to watch for are " vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy,

increased drinking, increased urination, " said veterinarian

Janowitz of the Peninsula Humane Society.

If your pet shows any of those signs, get them in for a visit and

blood work as soon as you can.

" This needs to be treated very quickly, it's not something you want to

wait and see, if you see any of those signs, go to your vet right

away, " Janowitz said.

And stop feeding your pets with cuts and gravy style wet dog or cat

food from Canada-based Menu Foods.

The voluntary recall covers food produced between December 3, 2006 and

March 6, 2007 at two U.S. facilities.

Menu is testing wheat gluten from a new supplier, which may be the

source of the problem.

Until they know for sure, some pet food stores including the Bay Area

chain Pet Food Express recommend that owners avoid any foods made by

Menu.

Pet owners say they're worried because the recall is so widespread.

" It's scary, it's frightening, " one woman told CBS 5.

" The food store where I go had a list telling people which ones not to

get, " another pet owner told CBS 5 at San Francisco's Crissy Field.

" It doesn't seem to be affecting dry food, that seems to be safe at

this point, so better to err on the side of caution and not use any of

the food that might be affected, " Janowitz advised.

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