We have been keeping you updated on the latest developments in the pet food recall. Since our last e-News on this subject a week ago, Dr. DeBess has received fewer reports of suspect cases. We also want you to be aware that, in the last week, several more foods that were produced with contaminated wheat gluten were recalled by Menu Foods and other manufacturers. The expanded recall includes food, biscuits, and pet treats from various companies. We have compiled a list of the recalled foods on our Web site, and we update this page as events warrant: http://www.oregonvma.org/news/recalledfood.asp
Suspect Cases in Oregon (as of 4.11.07)
As a result of his ongoing surveillance, Oregon’s public health veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess reports that there have been at least 114 suspected cases of cats and dogs in the state who have consumed recalled Menu Foods pet food and who have experienced various stages of kidney dysfunction.
Of the 114 suspected cases, 43 are dogs and 71 are cats. Of the 114 suspected cases, at least 44 pets have died:
-
20 dogs (Bend, Coos Bay, Dayton, 2 in Eugene, McMinnville, Newberg, Pleasant Hill, Portland, Redmond, 2 in Salem, 5 in Springfield, Sutherlin, Tigard, West Linn)
-
24 cats (Coos Bay, 3 in Eugene, 2 in Grants Pass, Hermiston, 2 in Hillsboro, Medford, Newberg, Pleasant Hill, 6 in Portland, Sherwood, Sisters, Springfield, St. Helens, Wilsonville, Winston)
Dr. DeBess is applying the following general definitions to these cases:
- Confirmed: Isolating a compound on blood or tissue of a patient; no history of renal disease; presenting with acute renal failure; and having consumed food that is on the recall list.
- Presumptive: No history of renal disease; presenting with renal failure; and having consumed food that is on the recall list.
- Suspect: Presenting with acute renal disease; and a history of having consumed food that is on the recall list.
Clients and Veterinarians Can Report Cases to FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator
Clients and veterinarians can report suspected cases to the Oregon/Washington Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Complaint Coordinator at (425) 483-4949. They should report as much information as possible, including the specific product name, lot numbers, veterinarian’s report, and diagnosis, etc.