MOUNT VERNON — A total of 60 million cans and pouches of Menu Foods’ pet food was recalled last week due to the confirmed deaths of 17 cats and dogs. The mystery is over as to the cause of the multiple deaths and illnesses — rat poison, suspected on a wheat shipment from China, is to blame. But that is not much consolation to pet owners.
Mount Vernon News Video
|
Scientists at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University and the New York State Food Laboratory identified a toxin called aminopterin in the pet food samples supplied by Menu Foods. According to state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker, in some countries, the poison is used to kill rats. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it is illegal to use in the United States for the use of rodent control, but it has been used as a cancer treatment drug.
Dr. Laurinda Morris of the Danville Veterinary Clinic is concerned for the pets suffering from kidney failure. She said that even though a pet might not have symptoms, if it has been in contact with the Menu Foods product, petowners should have the pet tested.
“This is a small clinic and it is a surprise to us to see this many affected animals,” said Morris. “But it’s a very serious problem and the cats that we have now recorded with blood work that are having problems with their kidneys, are not even showing clinical signs.”
One cat died a few weeks ago, and Morris is now treating a dog for the same illness. And while pet owner Cheryl Rice has to take Gismo to Morris’ office every other day, her pet is improving. However, renal failure is not curable and the treatments only prolong life.
“He is leveling out now with this,” said Rice. “He’s eating now with special dog food for the kidneys that I got from the vet.”
There are still many unanswered questions. The Food and Drug Administration said that while the first investigation focused on the wheat gluten in the pet food, wheat gluten doesn’t directly cause kidney failure; however, a common ingredient might be contaminated.
Menu Foods is still recalling products. The most recent is “cuts and gravy” dog and cat food.
According to an AP article, the company said it would take responsibility for pet medical expenses incurred as a result of the food. Morris said she received a fax from the company giving prices for test fees and necropsy (autopsy).
The cost for Menu Foods to perform a necropsy is $350.