Aflatoxin kills 300 dogs

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Taiwan News, Taipei, Jan. 7 (CNA)

 

Test results released by an animal hospital have confirmed that the death of

more than 300 dogs several days ago at two animal shelters was due to

aflatoxin-contaminated dog food, the Animal Protection Association of the

Republic of China said Wednesday.

 

Huang Ching-yung, general secretary of the association, said a report by the

National Taiwan University Animal Hospital showed that the dog food used by the

association's dog pound in Taipei County's Bali township and another animal

shelter in Sanjhih township contained high concentrations of aflatoxin -- a

toxin that usually causes liver damage.

 

More than 200 dogs at the Bali dog pound died mysteriously last week, and

another 100 dogs at the Sanjhih stray dog shelter also died around the same

time.

 

The Council of Agriculture (COA) indicated last week that initial tests showed

that the dog food was contaminated by aflatoxin, which is produced by mold.

 

The Animal Protection Association requested the NTU Animal Hospital to conduct

further tests on the dog food, which led to the findings that confirmed the

COA's test results.

 

Huang urged the government to set new rules stipulating that all dog foods

marketed in Taiwan must be accompanied by proof that the contents are free of

aflatoxin.