Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829
Cary Giguere, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-6531

Friday, March 23, 2007

Montpelier, Vt. - Montpelier, Vt – The FDA today confirmed that rat poison found in pet food is to blame for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, nationally.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Donald F. Smith announced today that scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory identified Aminopterin as a toxin present in cat food samples from Menu Foods. 

The deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. Menu Foods recalled ''cuts and gravy'' style dog and cat food which has sparked concern among Vermont pet owners and vets. 

According to the Agency of Agriculture, 16 cats and two small dogs are reported to have died from, or become ill as a result of exposure to the contaminated food. In response to the recall, Agency of Agriculture inspectors have been going to retail outlets that carry pet food to ensure the recalled items have been removed.

“Our inspectors have been going to the stores that carry these products to make sure they are aware of the voluntary recall and to make sure the contaminated food is removed from the shelves,” said Cary Giguere with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “We are asking veterinarians to report animal deaths and illness that they suspect is a result of the poisoned food.” To report a death or illness, or if you need assistance in determining if your pet food has been recalled, please call 802-828-6531. According to Giguere, retailers moved quickly and none of the recalled food was found on shelves at the time of inspection.

It is suspected that the actual number of pets affected is much higher than those being reported by the FDA. The FDA has established a list of criteria that must be met to determine if a pet death is the direct result of consuming the contaminated food. If you suspect your animal may have been exposed and is showing signs of renal failure which include refusing to eat, vomiting, drinking more than usual and urinating frequently, please contact your vet immediately. You are also advised to keep unopened cans or bags of the pet food.

For more information go to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture website www.vermontagriculture.com.