FDA: Toxic Jerky Treats Linked To More Than 1,000 Dog Deaths
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Dog owners beware; the FDA has issued a new health warning about jerky pet treats imported from China.
The agency reports some 1,800 new cases of pet illnesses since the last warning in October.
The FDA says the majority of the jerky treats were from China with flavors that include chicken, duck and sweet potato.
In all, the agency reports a total of about 4,800 complaints and 1,000 dog deaths.
According to the the FDA, symptoms include gastrointestinal/liver disease, kidney or urinary disease, and various other signs such as neurologic, dermatologic, and immunologic symptoms.
The FDA says it's continuing its investigation to find out what exactly is causing the illnesses.
The FDA does not cite or recall any specific brands at this time.
Pet owners whose pets show signs or symptoms which may be related to the consumption of jerky treats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy should contact their veterinarian immediately and are encouraged to report complaints to the FDA's website or by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA.
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