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Maness Veterinary Services

522 SW 27th Place
Newcastle, OK 73065

(405)387-5005

www.tricitypetcare.com

We have collected important information regarding the pet food recall. The Food and Drug Administration is monitoring the situation closely and a link is provided for the latest updated information:http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html

A complete list of affected foods including date and product information codes is available through the AVMA Web site at: http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/070318.asp.  If you have any of the products identified on these lists, immediately stop feeding them to your pet.
If you suspect that your pet has been affected by a recalled food, do the following three steps to help us with your pet's diagnosis:
Retain food samples for analysis.
                         Retain 4 cans or 1 kg of dry food, when possible.
                        Freeze when possible or store at room temperature in airtight bags.
Document product name, type of product and manufacturing information.
                        Retain all packaging.
                        Identify date codes or production lot numbers.
                        Retain purchase receipts.
Document product consumption.
                        Dates products or products were fed.
                        Consumption and palatability history.
                        Time of onset of clinical signs.
                        Detailed dietary history (ie, all products fed and feeding methods).Although the exact cause is not currently known, animals that have become ill after consuming these products have shown signs of acute kidney failure. Signs of kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption and also changes in urination.  Anybody who has a pet that exhibits these signs should take the animal to the veterinarian.
Dr. SaundraWillis, DVM, a board certified diplomate and communications chair with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and member of the AVMA Council on Communications, advises that "Owners shouldn't panic, because there can be a wide variety of reasons a pet might exhibit these symptoms," Dr. Willis explained. "But it's always prudent that, when a pet is exhibiting any signs of illness, the pet owner should contact their veterinarian immediately."
A veterinarian may call for a urinalysis and blood work, and might also perform additional tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound, to rule out other possible problems such as bladder and kidney stones.  If it has been determined that the cat or dog has been affected by consumption of the recalled pet food, a veterinarian could decided to treat the illness with medications and/or intravenous fluids.
Owners of pets affected by the recalled pet foods who wish to report the incident should contact the FDA, by going to the FDA Web site http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to find the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.
NOTE FROM DR. MANESS (July 27, 2007):None of the canine Hill's Pet Foods (Science Diet products) has been affected, and only one type of feline dry food was involved. We do carry Science Diet Products

FDA Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness Associated with Pet Food and Pet Treats
FDA is informing consumers of steps they can take to help prevent foodborne illness, including Salmonella-related illness, when handling pet foods and treats.  Pet food and treats, like many other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial contamination.  During calendar year 2007, 15 pet products have been recalled due to Salmonella contamination; however, to date none of these products have been directly linked to human illness.
Salmonella in pet foods and treats can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination, in people too, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.  Salmonella in pet food and treats can potentially be transferred to people ingesting or handling contaminated pet food and treats.
While the FDA has stepped up its efforts to minimize the incidence of foodborne illness associated with pet foods and treats, it's important that consumers be mindful of the potential risks.  Pet owners and consumers can reduce the likelihood of infection from contaminated pet foods and treats by following some simple, safe handling instructions.   
Buying Tips for Pet Food
  • Purchase products (canned or bagged) that are in good condition. No visible signs of damage to the packaging such as dents, tears, discolorations, etc.
 Preparation Tips for Pet Food
  • Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats.
  • Wash pet food bowls, dishes and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use.
  • Do not use the pet's feeding bowl as a scooping utensil - use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon or cup instead. 
  • Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner (example: in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle).
Storage Tips for Pet Food
  • Refrigerate promptly or discard any unused, left-over wet pet food (cans, pouches, etc.).  Refrigerating foods quickly keeps most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying.  Refrigerators should be set at 40 º F.  The accuracy of the setting should be checked occasionally with a refrigerator thermometer.
  • Dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place--under 80º F.
  • If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
  • Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
  • Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.
Raw Food Diets
The FDA does not advocate a raw meat, poultry or seafood diet for pets, but is stepping up its efforts to minimize the risk such foods pose to animal and human health because we understand that some people prefer to feed these types of diets to their pets.  For the protection of both you and your pet, the FDA recommends you follow these instructions when handling or using raw meat, poultry or seafood, for use in a pet's diet:
  • Keep raw meat and poultry products frozen until ready to use.
  • Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.
  • Keep raw food diets separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat, poultry or seafood with hot soapy water.
  • Cover and refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard safely.
In addition:
  • For added protection, kitchen sanitizers should be used on cutting boards and counter tops periodically.  A sanitizing solution can be made by mixing one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of water.
  • If you use plastic or other non-porous cutting boards, run them through the dishwasher after each use.
For additional information about safe food handling, please see http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-topfd.html.
 


Issued by:FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place, Rockville , MD 20855
Telephone: (240) 276-9300 FAX: (240) 276-9115
Internet Web Site: http://www.fda.gov/cvm








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