Update on Pet Food Recall - March 24, 2007

Late afternoon Friday, it was confirmed that the cause of the food recall was identified as a rat poison. Specifically, it appears to be a chemical called Aminopterin.

Aminopterin is rodenticide/rat poison used in some other countries but this use is not legal in the United States.   It is currently being used in clinical trials but as an anti-cancer agent as it is similar to the cancer drug methotrexate. The chemical, aminopterin causes kidney failure by forming crystals in the kidneys that causes them to not be able to clear toxins.

It is not known how the product got into the food batches. That is a huge question that still goes unanswered.  The discovery was made with scientists at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University and at the New York State Food Laboratory where they tested three cat food samples provided by the manufacturer and found aminopterin in two of them. The two labs are part of a network created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to keep the nation's animals and food supply safe. They have done a great service to pet owners and veterinarians to help us with this crisis.  They will continue to work on this to get more answers as well as make sure this does not happen again.

If you suspect that your animal may have eaten any of the foods listed, discontinue immediately, and we do recommend checking blood and urine samples.  Being the weekend, you can have the bloodwork done at one of our emergency hospitals (Essex County Veterinary Emergency Hospital at 978-725-5544 or MA Veterinary Referral Hospital at 781-932-5802).  Again, dry foods are not affected, nor are brands not on the list.

If you are not sure and your animal is acting 100% normal, you can give us a call during regular business hours.  Signs that warrant immediate attention include but are not limited to vomiting, increased thirst, decreased activity and decreased appetite.

Please be aware that the recall list has increased to even more foods, but still all canned or pouches that are cuts and gravy.  A complete list of the recalled products, along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available at www.menufoods.com/recall. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.

I will continue to update you as we gather more information.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Dr. Crowley

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