Veterinarians Urge Caution After FDA Receives Reports of Thousands of Pets Sick, Hundreds Dying from Jerky Treats

MINNEAPOLIS – Veterinarians from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging caution after the Food and Drug Administration issued a request for members of the general public and their veterinarians to send any information they have if their pet has become ill after eating jerky treats.

Since 2007, the FDA says they have received reports of 3,600 dogs and 10 cats becoming ill from eating jerky treats in the U.S. Approximately 580 of those pets have died, according to the FDA.

Most of the jerky treats involved in the illnesses have been from China.

Doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are encouraging people to be aware of treats made from jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes or dried fruit.

Additionally, people should take their pet to a veterinarian immediately if they notice signs of lethargy, decreased activity, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

“As always, anytime your pet is exhibiting abnormal behavior or symptoms of sickness, take him to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinarian as soon as possible,” said Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners.

Potential jerky pet-treat related illnesses should be reported online or by calling the state FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

About BluePearl Veterinary Partners

Formed in 2008, BluePearl Veterinary Partners employs more than 1,350 people including more than 350 veterinarians. BluePearl hospitals offer referral-only services. BluePearl does not provide primary care. The company is one of the world’s principal providers of approved veterinary residency and internship programs. BluePearl also participates in clinical trials that investigate the effectiveness of new veterinary drugs and treatments, providing pet families access to cutting-edge medicine that is not yet commercially available. BluePearl is headquartered in Tampa, Fla.