Federal health officials recall a dog food product that led to the poisoning of more than two dozen pets that died and left several others sick.
The FDA has issued a warning to pet owners and veterinarians about certain Sportmix pet food products that can contain deadly levels of aflatoxin, which can grow on wheat and grains and poison animals.
According to the FDA, Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. on Wednesday, December 30, announced a recall of certain products after the FDA was warned about reports of at least 28 dogs dying and eight becoming ill due to the consumption of the recalled items. .
When tested, the items to be recalled were found to contain very high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the form Aspergillus flavus.
Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, appetite, vomiting, jaundice or diarrhea. In the most severe cases, the disease can be fatal, as pets sometimes suffer long-term liver damage without showing symptoms.
“Pets are very susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because pets, unlike people who eat a different diet, eat the same food continuously over a long period of time,” the FDA noted. “If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin may accumulate in the pet’s system as they are still eating the same food.”
Remember items:
- Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 pound bag;
- Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 pound bag;
- Sportmix Premium High Energy 50 pound bag;
- Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 pound bag;
- Sportmix Original Cat, 31 pound bag;
- Sportmix Original Cat, bag of 15 pounds.
The FDA has warned that the products recalled may still be on the shelves of pets or in stores. The pet food mixes recalled have been distributed nationwide to online retailers and stores.
“If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately,” health officials noted. “Even asymptomatic pets have suffered liver damage. You will therefore want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products while giving your veterinarian a complete dietary history.”
“There is no evidence that pet owners containing products containing aflatoxin are at risk of having aflatoxin poisoning,” the FDA added. “However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling pet food.”
The FDA noted that the investigation is ongoing, and that the recall could be expanded and that the death toll could rise as new information becomes available. Veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin is poison are asked to contact the FDA as the case continues.
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