Los Angeles Jerky Alert

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued another warning last week about chicken jerky-type dog treats. Since September 2007, the FDA has been receiving reports from veterinarians and dog owners about chicken jerky treats, manufactured in China, that appear to cause gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms in dogs. An increased number of complaints have been noted in the past year.

The potentially tainted Chinese products are being sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats. Clinical signs develop within hours to days of consumption and include: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Bloodwork values on sick dogs have included elevated kidney values (BUN and creatinine), and urinalysis has shown sugar in the urine without elevated sugar in the blood (glucosuria without hyperglycemia, a.k.a. Fanconi syndrome). Most ill dogs have recovered fully, but some reports have included deaths. For additional information click here

Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control Program has received six reports of ill dogs from veterinarians since late 2008. Dogs have ranged in age from 1-7 years-old and the breeds consist of Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkie, Cocker Spaniel, and Cockapoo. The sick patients have eaten six different brand names of chicken jerky from China.

Many different animal diagnostic laboratories are currently assisting the FDA investigation into what might be causing these dog illnesses. But to date, no specific ingredient, chemical or microbial agent has been identified. It is also possible that something other than the chicken jerky is causing many of the clinical signs in the sick dogs.

Because the food contaminant could also be in human products, it is imperative that dog owners and veterinarians continue to report cases of ill animals to The County of Los Angeles Department of Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control Program. All reports will be automatically forwarded to the FDA.

Please report any cases to our program by completing the attached Animal Disease/Death Reporting Form, which should be faxed to (213) 481-2375. If you have any questions, you can contact us at (213) 989-7060. Thank you for your assistance with local animal disease surveillance.

Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM

Acting Director

Department of Public Health

Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control

213-989-7060

kehnert@ph.lacounty.gov