Cats Only Blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Tembec and Uniscope Voluntary Recall Feed Ingredients FDA Asks Feed Manufac
2007-06-01 14:07:00
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting livestock and fish/shrimp feed manufacturers about a voluntary recall of products used in feed production because several have been found to contain melamine and related compounds. The feed ingredients were made by Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio and Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo. Tembec, a contract manufacturer for Uniscope, makes AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, which it distributes for Uniscope. Uniscope makes Xtra-Bond using ingredients supplied by Tembec. All of the products are binding agents that are used to make pelleted feed for cattle, sheep, and goats, or fish and shrimp. The companies have confirmed that Tembec added melamine as part of the formulation of the products to improve the binding properties of pelleted feed. Melamine is not approved as an additive for animal or fish/shrimp feed. The companies have stopped adding melamine to the feed products. Based on the levels of melamine and related compounds in the in...
More About: Recall , Ingredients , Feed , Voluntary , Manu

Pet food probe: Who was watching suppliers?
2007-05-31 13:45:00
Even some pet-food companies say they don't always know what's really in the food they sell. Or where the ingredients come from. If you long suspected pet food contained mystery meat, this won't surprise you. But for a $15 billion industry whose profits depend on consumers' trust, the admission may be the biggest revelation of all from the 8-week-old pet-food recall. Tuesday, federal officials said the contaminated pet-food ingredient from China that sickened dogs and cats nationwide was actually wheat flour ? not wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate. That had escaped the pet-food makers who thought they bought wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate. Five pet-food companies also recently said the company that made food for them added rice protein concentrate without their knowledge or consent. That came to light, the pet-food companies say, because the foods had to be recalled after the contamination was discovered. The Food and Drug Administration speculates that the whea...
More About: Suppliers , Pet Food , Watching , Probe

Tainted pet food: Flour, in disguise, is the culprit
2007-05-31 13:44:00
The contaminated ingredients from China that led to the massive pet-food recall were both actually flour, mislabeled to look more valuable than they actually were, federal officials said Tuesday. The flour, thought to be wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, contained melamine to appear higher in protein, the Food and Drug Administration speculated. The mislabeling went undetected by pet-food makers who used the ingredients, the importers who imported them and the FDA for weeks. The FDA also said some of the contaminated product was used to make fish feed sold to U.S. fish farms. There's no evidence that any of the fish were eaten by humans, but the health risk would be low, said David Acheson, FDA's assistant commissioner for food protection. The feed was manufactured by Skretting of Vancouver, British Columbia, and sold by a subsidiary, Bio-Oregon, which specializes in feed for young salmon, trout and steelhead. Because they take 18 months to 2½ years to grow from fry to m...
More About: Pet Food , Flour , Taint

Cicadas: A Nuisance for Humans, a Snack for Pets? AVMA advises pet owners n
2007-05-31 13:38:00
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? As billions of periodical cicadas emerge from the ground across Northern Illinois and neighboring states for the first time since 1990, many residents are wondering about the other critters in their lives: their pets. While most of us will try to keep contact with cicadas at a minimum, our pets might be eager to play with the buzzing bugs, or possibly sample a few as a mid-day snack. And that's perfectly fine, says Chicago veterinarian and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) member Shelly Rubin, DVM, who has been researching cicadas in anticipation of this year's invasion and subsequent questions from concerned clients. "Pet owners have nothing to worry about," says Dr. Rubin. "While they might be a nuisance to humans, they're no danger to us or our pets. They don't sting, they don't bite, they don't carry disease, and they can be eaten without any problem at all." Dr. Rubin says that the cicadas are a good source of protein and are eaten as part...
More About: Pets , Snack , Vise , Owner , Uman

FDA Announces U.S. Source of Melamine-Contaminated Fish, Cattle, Sheep and
2007-05-31 13:36:00
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The FDA announced today that a U.S. company?Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio?has been identified as producing a melamine-contaminated ingredient used in domestic livestock feed as well as in domestic and exported fish feed. This is a separate contamination from the nationwide pet food recall that began March 16, in which the melamine-contaminated ingredient was imported from Chinese manufactures. Tembec has used the contaminated ingredient as a binding agent in two of its commercial fish feeds, AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, intended for domestic use as well as for export. The company also shipped the contaminated binding ingredient to Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo., for use in domestic livestock feed, Xtra-Bond, for cattle, goats and sheep.The FDA has advised that the contaminated fish feeds be recalled, but has not advised that the contaminated livestock feeds be recalled because they contain lower levels of melamine and melamine-related compounds, and therefor...
More About: Fish , Melamine , Source , Sheep , Nate

More News on Pet Food Recall
2007-05-23 14:47:00
More details have emerged about events leading to the major recall of pet food and about the importation of ingredients from China that contained melamine, an adulterant that seems to have an association with kidney problems in cats and dogs. Some of the specifics came to light during an April 24 hearing at the House of Representatives regarding the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure food safety and security. The witnesses testified about recent recalls of human and pet foods. "Foodborne illnesses and pet food contamination demonstrate serious flaws in our food safety network," said Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan, chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations within the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. "With more and more of our food, fruits, produce, and vegetables being imported, there appears to be less and less government inspection or oversight and no enforceable safety and health standards." Later that week, the FDA announced that cyanuri...
More About: News , Pet Food , Recall , Food recall

Feeding Your Senior Cat
2007-05-23 14:43:00
As cats grow older, their dietary needs change. Older pets are often more finicky about what they?ll eat and may prefer to eat smaller portions at a sitting. Some have fewer and more sensitive teeth than in their younger days and find it harder to eat food that requires a lot of chewing. Digestion takes longer for older pets, and their metabolism slows down. ?In general, the older the animal becomes, the less active it?s going to be,? says Dottie LaFlamme, D.V.M., Ph.D., a veterinary nutritionist with Ralston Purina. ?With less activity comes a reduction in lean muscle mass and lean body mass, so the energy requirements of the older animal tend to be reduced.? A common mistake made by owners is to feed their elderly pets the same amount of calories as was needed when the animal was younger and more active, resulting in an overweight pet; though some older animals do remain active, and require the same caloric intake to maintain their weight. ?Excess weight is especially hard on a...
More About: Senior , Feeding

Cats and Dogs -- 4 Keys to Keeping the Peace
2007-05-18 15:40:00
Cats and dogs can be wonderful companions. The key is to start them off right. Here are some tips to get you started. Try to create a good match. If you're looking to add a dog to your feline home, try to find one with a complementary personality. If you're looking at a shelter dog, find out its history, because you don't want a dog who was an avid cat chaser in his previous life. If your cat is very timid or nervous, don't pick a hyper dog who barks at everything. And training for the dog is essential. As soon as it's old enough (if it's a puppy), start doing basic training and socialization work. Your dog should be learning commands -- sit, stay, down, etc. Make proper introductions. Have your dog on a leash and come armed with lots of treats. The cat should be on the other side of the room (either in a cage or loose, depending upon his anxiety level). Work with your dog to have him focus on you -- and not the cat. The more the dog relaxes and doesn't zero in on Fluffy, th...
More About: Peace , Dogs , Cats , Cats and Dogs , Keys

Chenango Valley Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Pe
2007-05-18 14:01:00
Contact:Dennis J. Bobita(610) 821-0608 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 17, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods previously recalled dry pet foods manufactured with a shipment of rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis that possibly contained melamine contamination. Chenango Valley Pet Foods is now expanding the recall action to include those pet foods that do not contain rice protein concentrate but were manufactured during periods when rice protein concentrate formulas were processed. The recall of these products is precautionary due to the possibility of cross-contamination. The following dry pet foods are involved in this recall action: DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH LAMB & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT DOG FOOD, NET WT. 6 LBS. (UPC 25141 28244), 15 LBS. (25141 30074), and 30 LBS. (UPC 25141 06043); Date Codes: Best By Feb 09 09 and Best By Feb 26 09; SHOP RITE REDI-MIXT DOG FOOD FOR DOGS, NET WT. 25 LB. (UPC 41190 00555), Date Code: Code C7107; LICK YOUR CHOPS KITTEN & CAT...
More About: Recall , Voluntary , Call

Cat Box Diseases
2007-05-17 16:05:00
You are more likely to contract a disease from another human than from your cat. However, if you are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system, we want you to know that a parasite sometimes found in cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we suggest you wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat box filler. Or ask someone else to assume the litter box changing responsibilities at this time. For more information on toxoplasmosis, contact your doctor.
More About: Diseases , Ease , Seas

Arthritis
2007-05-17 16:04:00
What is the condition of arthritis? Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. It is a progressive disease that once started, doesn't stop. It is seen most often in older cats, but can develop at any age. Cats do not seem to develop arthritis as commonly as dogs or humans. The most common forms of arthritis in cats are: Traumatic Arthritis (sprain) - Caused by sudden injury to a joint, such as impact with a moving vehicle, involvement in a cat fight, or due to an awkward fall or landing. Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) - This condition that we associate in people also affects cats. It's a chronic disease of aging that occurs after wear and tear on a joint that slowly destroys the thin layer of protective cartilage protecting the joint surface, particularly of the elbow and shoulder. How can you determine if your cat has developed arthritis? Feline arthritis often isn't detected until the cat begins to show obvious signs, such as stiff, swollen, or painful joints. Stiffn...

Cat's Nap, but Do They Dream?
2007-05-17 16:01:00
If you?re a pet owner, you?ve probably already guessed that the answer to this is YES! But are they really dreaming ? and if so, what in the world do they dream about? Many scientists say there is evidence to support the notion that dogs, cats, and in fact, every mammal that?s been studied, does experience dreams. There are two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). SWS and REM sleep in pets are very similar to that of humans. During this time, the brain processes information learned during the day. Think of it as sorting new information into different mental file folders. At some point during these two kinds of sleep, dreams take over ? in humans as well as in pets. Thus, the twitching, tail wagging, yipping, and pawing your dog does in his sleep, or the tail whipping, chattering, yowling and swatting from your napping cat is likely a reliving of whatever experiences he?s had while awake. Of course, human dreams also get a lot of their mater...
More About: Dream

Your Indoor Cat CAN Get Fleas!
2007-05-17 15:59:00
Fleas can find their way into your home even if your cat never goes outside. If you keep windows open on the ground level, fleas can still jump onto your cat. Many cats enjoy sitting at the window to catch the gentle breeze and watch the birds, unaware that those determined little fleas are planning an attack. For indoor cats, fleas can also be a problem if another family pet is allowed outdoors. It's very common for the family dog to carry the fleas into the house, where the fleas discover the added bonus of another four-footed meal -- the indoor cat. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, he is truly at risk for flea and tick infestation. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate flea-prevention product for your kitty and start using it early in the season. Just because you don't see fleas on your cat doesn't mean they aren't there. Cats are such fastidious groomers that they often ingest the fleas. If you part your cat's hair and take a good look, you may see o...
More About: Indo , Door

Senate hearing examines safety, recall of pet food
2007-05-16 14:50:00
Testimony focuses on measures to prevent contaminationand limit exposure. The recent recall of cat and dog food has raised broad concerns about food safety, oversight of pet food, and manufacturing practices. At an April 12 Senate hearing, veterinarians and other witnesses offered their perspectives on the issues. The experts said no one could have foreseen that melamine, which has uses as a fertilizer in Asia and in the production of plastics, might contaminate the wheat gluten that is an ingredient in certain pet foods?or that melamine or an accompanying agent might contribute to kidney failure in cats and dogs. In hindsight, though, some legislators believe regulations and response still could have been better. "There are a lot of questions to ask, and we need answers," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who called for the hearing. "That's why we're here today?to learn who's inspecting pet food manufacturing plants, what goes into that food, and whether we need to update our f...
More About: Safety , Food , Pet Food , Recall

Royal Canin USA expands recall
2007-05-16 14:47:00
Royal Cani n USA has announced the nationwide recall of eight Sensible Choice dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the identification of trace amounts of a melamine derivative in a tainted Chinese ingredient labelled as rice protein concentrate, which was provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. For more information see the FDA press release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/roya lcanin05_07.html.
More About: Recall , Royal , Royal Canin , Call

Somali Cat
2007-05-15 16:22:00
Color: The CFA recognizes the Soma li in four colors; ruddy, red, blue and fawn.Coat: Despite its medium-length coat, it does not tolerate the cold.National Breed Club: Somali Cat Club of America Inc.; www.ladybear.com/Somalis class=bold>Personality: Light and quick on its paws, the Somali is swift as a fox and every bit as intelligent.

Eight Sensible Choice Dry Dog Food Products, Seven Kasco Dry Dog And Cat Fo
2007-05-15 16:19:00
Contact:Erik Mueller 636-926-1089 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Charles, Missouri -- May 11, 2007 -- Royal Canin USA is announcing today the voluntary nationwide recall of eight Sens ible Choi ce dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the company's ongoing extensive review of its manufacturing and quality assurance testing procedures, which identified trace amounts of a melamine derivative from tainted Chinese rice protein concentrate provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. "We deeply regret the concern and anxiety this announcement today will cause our loyal customers and the entire pet community," Olivier Amice, President and CEO of Royal Canin USA, said. "While a very limited number of Sensible Choice and Kasco products in this recall tested positive for trace levels of a melamine derivative, Royal Canin USA is voluntarily withdrawing these products out of an ab...
More About: Products , Food

Activate Your Cat!
2007-05-12 15:26:00
Your cat needs activity to stimulate her mind and body. An indoor cat left home alone all day, with no one to play with and nothing to do, may become either sluggish or destructive. If you can provide some interesting, active playtime with your cat each day, you'll have a happy, energized cat. Bonus ? you'll probably notice that your affection for one another increases dramatically! So set aside 15 minutes a day for pure cat time. Here?s a whole week?s worth of fun activities as ideas for your play session. Make up your own, too. 1. Paper Bag Playground: Lay paper bags on the floor, with the openings facing each other. As your cat enters one bag, scratch your finger on the outside bottom of the bag. Once he?s scuffling inside that bag, scratch the bottom another bag. This should cause kitty to fly out of one bag and dive into the other. 2. Trapped Prey: Get a small lightweight ball, like a ping-pong ball or foil ball and a cardboard box, laundry basket or plastic storage tub. Let...
More About: Activate , Activa

Facts and Fallacies Concerning Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
2007-05-12 15:25:00
Of great concern to cat owners is the problem of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. Misinformation about urinary tract disease persists. Identifying what is fact and what is fallacy should provide cat owners a deeper understanding of FLUTD. A recent study indicates that five percent of cats presented to veterinary clinics were diagnosed with FLUTD.FALLACY: Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) describes lower urinary tract disease. FACT: This term is too limiting. Too often it becomes associated with a specific disease. The affected cat could be suffering from one of several urinary diseases that have common symptoms. Factors associated with lower urinary tract disease include stress, obesity, viral and bacterial infections, anatomic abnormalities, genetics or differences among breeds (Persians have a higher incidence and Siamese a lower incidence). Other forms of FLUTD involve the formation of struvite crystals or stones which can cause obstruction of the urinary tract. T...
More About: Facts , Disease , Lower , Line , Once

Bone Structure
2007-05-11 14:28:00
 cat?s bone structure is among its unique characteristics. Although man is more than 15 times the size of a cat, a cat has more bones in its body, about 244 compared with 206 in man. Many of the cat?s bones are in its tail, which is an indicator of a cat?s mood. A cat carrying its tail high is usually displaying pride and contentment. An extended tail generally tells you the cat is stalking. A tail being thrust from side to side may warn you that the cat is angry. A cat?s hind legs are longer and stronger than the front legs, enabling him to jump with skill. Observe a cat and you will notice it calculates distance before jumping. Another observation will show you that the cat walks or runs by moving the front and back legs on one side, and then the front and back legs on the other side. The camel and the giraffe are the only other animals that move in this way. Other four-legged animals move the left front leg at the same time as the right hind leg, and their right front leg...
More About: Bone , Structure

Administering Medication
2007-05-11 14:27:00
There will be times when you will need to give your cat medicine whether they like it or not. Some cats will be more agreeable than others, but the following tips should help: Giving Pills First, try deceiving your cat by hiding the pill in some baby food. If that doesn't work, try kneeling on the floor and putting the cat between your knees. Make sure your cat's front legs are tucked in between your knees so it can't claw you. Put the palm of your hand on top of its head, and thumb and index finger on either side of its mouth; your cat's mouth will fall open as you tilt the head back. If it doesn't, gently push down on the cat's lower front teeth with your middle finger of your other hand. Drop the pill in your cat's mouth as far back as you can. Keep its head tilted back until the pill is swallowed. Giving Liquids To administer liquid medication to your cat, use the same procedure as for pills using a needleless syringe that you can obtain from your vet or a pet store. ...
More About: Admin , Minister , Medication , Teri , Erin

Some great playcenters for cats
2007-05-11 14:13:00
Town Palm Tree Climber Our Meow TownT Palm Tree Climber is calling all cats for a fabulous Spring Break! Four tiers of feline fun await the adventurous, along with two sisal-covered scratching posts, a dangling tropical fish toy and three caves to explore. Perfect for multiple-cat households. The Palm Tree Climber measures 31 1/2"L x 23 1/2"W x 65"H. Meow Town Beach House Hideaway Active cats need a safe place to climb and play, and our Beach House Hideaway provides everything kitty needs to have fun. Combines three climbing posts, five perches, a private beach house hideaway, a hammock for lazy lounging, and a fun mouse toy. Fully covered in soft plush for a feel cats will love. Some assembly required. Includes assembly instructions. The Beach House Hideaway measures 39"L x 15 1/2"W x 39 1/2"H. Meow Town Kitty Treehouse Hideaway Active cats need a safe place to climb and play, and this Kitty Treehouse Hideaway provides everything kitty needs to have fun. Combines two "tree" climbin...
More About: Cats , Great , Center , Enter

Can you train a cat?
2007-05-11 14:11:00
If you share your life with a cat, chances are good you?ve heard humorous comments regarding a cat?s ability to be trained. We?ve all heard the stale jokes about how a dog has a master and a cat has a staff. Well guess what? Cats can be trained. Cats are extremely intelligent and learn quickly. The problem is that we often teach them the wrong things and send mixed messages. When I work with clients, I often see three mistakes. The first is that many owners assume cats are low-maintenance, and as a result they don?t put enough effort into providing what their cats need beyond the basics. The second mistake I see involves people who view their cats as little dogs. They try to train them accordingly, and expect dog-like responses. And finally, a big mistake that I?ll bet you?ve seen yourself is the owner who is absolutely sure that the cat?s misbehavior is due to disobedience, spite, anger, or retaliation. These common errors will sabotage your attempt at tr...
More About: Train , TRAI

What to Do About Springtime Spraying
2007-05-10 14:36:00
Ahh, there's a gentle breeze in the air, the flowers are blooming, and, YIKES, your indoor cat has suddenly started spraying near the windows! What?s that all about? Well, it's springtime. For many of us, spring is a time when we can enjoy a little fresh air by opening the windows. Unfortunately, this can create a few problems for some cats. This is the time of year when male cats go in search of females for mating. Depending upon where you live, that can mean more cats roaming through your property. It could be a female cat in heat or an intact male following her scent. The sight of more cats in the yard can create stress for your indoor kitty. She may sit by the window, hissing and growling, or she may even spray against the wall where the window is located (by the way, both male and female cats can spray.) Even if your kitty doesn't resort to spraying, the sight of an unfamiliar outdoor cat could trigger some redirected aggression. This occurs when she can't access the prima...
More About: Springtime , Spray , Pray , To Do

Fish on U.S. Fish Farms Fed Melamine-Contaminated Feed; FDA Discovers Conta
2007-05-10 14:17:00
FOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate imported from China?associated with the deaths of at least 16 dogs and cats and the recall of hundreds of dog and cat food brands?was mislabeled and was really wheat flour contaminated with melamine and melamine-related products. David Acheson, M.D., assistant commissioner for food protection, Office of the Commissioner at the FDA, said that investigators believe that melamine, which is high in nitrogen, was added to the wheat flour. As a result, protein level test results on the flour were consistent with those of wheat gluten. This discovery does not change recent pet food recalls or livestock restrictions, but rather just expands the understanding of the ongoing pet food and livestock feed contamination and investigation. The FDA also announced today that a portion of...
More About: Fish , Melamine , Feed , Mine , Over

Should You Adopt That Stray?
2007-05-08 16:17:00
While stray cats can make wonderful pets, not all strays adjust well to the domestic lifestyle. Before you start befriending that homeless feline meowing at your doorstep, it?s important to weigh the pluses and minuses. Here are five questions you should ask yourself, to help you decide whether or not a stray cat would make a good addition to your household: Is the cat really lacking an owner? Before you let yourself get attached to the cat, try to ascertain whether or not it belongs to someone. Look for an identification tag on the collar. If the cat isn?t wearing a collar, it may still be identified with a microchip under its skin. You can take the cat to a veterinarian and have it scanned to find out whether there?s a microchip. Talk to others in your neighborhood to see if they might know to whom the cat belongs. Call your local police department or animal shelter to see if someone has reported a lost cat. Does the cat have health problems? If you have other pets, isolate the ca...
More About: Should , That , Stra , Stray , Adopt

Breed Profile: Abyssinian
2007-05-08 16:15:00
Although the Abyss inian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history. In appearance, Abyssinians resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes. Abys today still retain the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats. The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first "Abyssinians" exhibited in shows in England were reported to have been imported from that country. The first mention is in the Harper's Weekly (January 27, 1872 issue) where the 3rd prize in the December, 1871 Crystal Palace show was taken by the Abyssinian Cat ("captured in the late Abyssinian War"). This article is accompanied by an illustration of the Abyssinian Cat. In the British book, by Gordon Stables,...
More About: Profile , Reed , Breed

Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Interaction May Play Part in Illness and Death f
2007-05-07 13:58:00
FOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? Tests conducted on contaminated pet food and necropsies from affected animals have resulted in a new theory to explain how animals are being adversely affected by contaminated pet foods. A chemical reaction between melamine and cyanuric acid is suspected of forming crystals and blocking kidney function. The investigation into contaminated pet food has focused on melamine contamination of ingredients imported from China, such as wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and corn gluten (imported into South Africa). It is now believed that cyanuric acid, as well as melamine, has been found in urine samples from animals that died. Analysis of the crystals in the kidneys of affected animals have revealed that they are approximately 70 percent cyanuric acid and 30 percent melamine, and are extremely insoluble. Furthermore, tests mixing melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat urine resulted...
More About: Play , Melamine , Death , Acid , Mine

Menu Foods Expands Its Pet Food Recalls
2007-05-07 13:57:00
FDA Reports 2.7 Million Chickens Fed Contaminated Feed Already in Food SystemFOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? Menu Foods added 220 products to its existing recall list on May 2. The expanded list now includes additional "cuts and gravy" style pet foods and select other products that do not necessarily include contaminated wheat gluten but have been affected by cross-contamination. The products on the expanded list of recalled foods were manufactured in Menu Foods' plants during the same period that contaminated wheat gluten was used at those plants, and they are being recalled now due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received both a report from a customer and study results that indicate cross-contamination. Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. For more information, see the Menu Foods Web site at http://www.men...
More About: Pet Food , Call

What you should know about West Nile virus
2007-05-07 13:50:00
Q:  What is West Nile virus? A:  West Nile virus is an arbovirus (short for arthropod-borne virus) that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Arboviruses are transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes. Most infections with West Nile virus have been identified in wild birds, horses and humans, but the virus can also infect various other wild and domestic animals.Q:  Where did West Nile virus come from? A:  West Nile virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and has since been found in other parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. The strain of virus found in the United States most closely resembles that found in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The virus has been reported in nearly all states. Q:  How is West Nile virus transmitted? A:   Mosquitoes draw the virus from infected birds and transmit it to other animals, including humans, through bites. We...
More About: Virus , Know , Should