5-29-2003 |
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TAINTED DOG FOOD NOT IN WEST VIRGINIA Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is assuring West Virginia residents that dog food potentially containing parts of a Canadian cow that tested positive for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has not been shipped to West Virginia. BSE, also known as Mad Cow Disease, results in degeneration of the brain tissue of infected animals and causes weight loss, impaired physical coordination and, eventually, death. “Despite the miniscule risk of humans, or dogs, becoming ill from BSE, I want to reassure everyone that none of this potentially tainted product was shipped to West Virginia,” said Commissioner Douglass. “The West Virginia Department of Agriculture, along with our partners in the agriculture community, is committed to keeping our state’s farm animals disease free and our food supply safe and wholesome.” State Veterinarian Dr. Joe Starcher said a representative of Pet Pantry International of Carson City, Nev., told him Wednesday that the company’s records indicate no shipments to West Virginia of the batches in question: “Maintenance Diet” with a use-by date of February 17, 2004, and “Beef with Barley” with a use-by date of March 5, 2004. The company’s products are purchased by phone or e-mail, and delivered by franchise owners to consumers’ homes. There also are no franchises in the state, according to the company. If anyone acquired any of the food any other way, they should not put it out for their animals and they should call the company at 800-381-7387. “The Food and Drug Administration has indicated that dogs are not at risk of contracting any BSE-type disease,” said Dr. Starcher. “However, if the food were left outside, there is a possibility that susceptible animals – such as cattle, goats or sheep – could get into the food and become infected.” The suspect food, in 50-pound bags, was produced in Canada by Champion Pet Food of Morinville, Alberta. The United States has temporarily halted cattle imports from Canada while the incident is being investigated. Only one cow has tested positive for the disease. |
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