Keep Pet Jerky Away from your Dogs, Cats: FDA Cautions

The Food and Drug Administration is warning all dog and cat owners for information as it struggles to solve a mysterious outbreak of illness and deaths among pets that ate jerky treats.

The FDA said in a statement released Wednesday that they have received concerning jerky pet treat-related illnesses involving 3,600 dogs and 10 cats in the U.S. since 2007. Approximately 580 of those pets have died.

Pet owners and veterinarians were urged to report more cases in "one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," said Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, in a statement posted on the FDA's website. The FDA is trying to gather more information regarding the mysterious outbreak.

Some symptoms to look out for are decreased activity and appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and increased water consumption.

The jerky products were made of chicken, as well as duck, sweet potatoes and dried fruit and were sold under many brand names, most imported from China.

The FDA did not name any specific jerky manufacturers, they only warned pet owners to steer away from offering these treats to their pets until further studies can be done.

According to Reuters, some of the jerky products were taken off the market in January, after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Marketing found six unapproved antibiotic drugs in the Chinese-made treats.

Meanwhile, a consumer fact sheet will accompany the letter to veterinarians so they can alert consumers to the problem and remind them that treats are not essential to a balanced diet. The fact sheet also explains to consumers how they can help FDA's investigation by reporting potential jerky pet treat-related illnesses online or by calling the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for their state.