Jerky Treat Investigation Update
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has received many reports within the past year from veterinarians and animal owners regarding the apparent association between feeding “jerky treats” imported from China and illness in dogs. Affected dogs show signs similar to Fanconi syndrome (decreased appetite, vomiting and signs of kidney disease – elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine).
The CVMA understands that there has not been a direct and proven link made between feeding these treats and the illnessess observed and no scientific evidence has identified a specific toxin.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating this issue and has now expanded its investigation to include duck and sweet potato jerky treats.
To find out more on the FDA investigation, follow this link:
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm
The CVMA has contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to inquire about the possibility of the agency taking a more active role in urging manufacturers to implement a voluntary product recall or to suspend import permits of these products until the suspect toxicity link can be proven or ruled out.