Jerky-style treats linked with illness in US pets
An investigation is continuing into the mystery illnesses and deaths of dogs in the US, which are thought to be linked to jerky-style pet treats imported from China.
As of September 24 this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it received more than 3,600 reports of illness in dogs who have eaten chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats, almost all of which were imported from China.
Similar reports of illness in ten cats were also received during the same period. In total, 580 pet deaths are thought to be linked with the treats, according to the FDA.
The number of complaints, however, is reported to have dropped sharply since January 2013, when several well-known brands were removed from the shelves. These were removed after a study carried out by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Marketing found low levels of antibiotic residues in the treats.
While the FDA says these low levels of antibiotics are unlikely to be the cause of the illness, it does believe that the drop in complaints is linked to the decreased availability of the jerky treats.
Nonetheless, an investigation is being carried out to determine whether or not low levels of antibiotics could cause illness in dogs when given over a long period of time. The FDA says it will review scientific literature and look at adverse event reports and consumer complaints relating to sulphonamide drugs, which may take many months.
The FDA has called on the veterinary profession in the US to help them with their investigations by reporting to them any cases of pet illnesses relating to the treats.
In addition, the agency says it will continue to carry out tests and to work with the manufacturers and distributors of the treats, as well as China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
