http://www.petmd.com/news/rss en http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/thai-police-rescue-1300-caged-dogs-smugglers

Around 300 dogs were found Monday in Bueng Kan province, according to local police, while authorities in neighbouring Sakon Nakhon province said 400 dogs were found Sunday, following a haul of 600 a few days before.

On Sunday, villagers in Sakon Nakhon told police "they heard sound of dogs whining and barking in scrubland", according to local provincial police chief Polsak Banjongsiri.

"When we arrived, we found more than 400 dogs abandoned in about a hundred cages," he told AFP.

"Some dogs are strays, some have  been sold by their owners," he said, adding that they were destined to be trafficked to neighboring countries.

The rescued animals were taken to the already overcrowded Animal Quarantine Centre in nearby Nakhon Phanom province.

"This is a trans-national network to take them to neighbouring countries.

Most of them are for people's food -- the meat trade -- they would have been butchered," said the centre's head Chusak Pongpanich.

Dogs are an essential part of cuisine marking the end of the lunar month for older traditionalists in nearby Vietnam.

An increase in animal ownership in the communist nation has also seen growing ranks of thieves go from small town to small town in rural areas stealing pets to sell to dog meat restaurants.
 
Image: Michael Coghlan / via Flickr]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/thai-police-rescue-1300-caged-dogs-smugglers#comments Care & Safety Fri, 10 May 2013 16:47:33 +0000 30275 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/bimeda-inc-recalls-sterile-solutions-behalf-manufacturer-bimeda-mtc-animal-healt
 
The following injectable fluids have been included in this recall:

Calcium Glucium  
Product Number: 1CAL028
Lot Number: 2J029A
Label: Bimeda
Shipment Date: 11/01/12
Quantity: 20,064
Expiry Date: 09/14

Dextrose 50%
Product Number: 1DEX005
Lot Number: 2J028
Label: Bimeda
Shipment Date: 10/26/12
Quantity: 6702
Expiry Date: 09/15

Hypertonic Saline
Product Number: 1HYP009
Lot Number: 2J041
Label: MWI
Shipment Date: 11/01/12
Quantity: 8975
Expiry Date: 09/14

All of the products listed above were distributed nationwide to veterinary product wholesalers and retailers.

According to FDA press release, Bimeda Inc., on behalf of manufacturer Bimeda-MTC Animal Health Inc., is arranging for return of all recalled products.

If you are a user, distributor or retailer with the above recall products you are urged to discontinue use immediately and return products to place of purchase.

If you are a customer, please contact your veterinarian if your pets have experienced any problems related to the use of the recall products.

For questions or concerns, please contact Bimeda Inc. at 888-524-6332, Option or extension #2, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM Central Standard Time.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/bimeda-inc-recalls-sterile-solutions-behalf-manufacturer-bimeda-mtc-animal-healt#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 10 May 2013 15:20:44 +0000 30274 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/curious-incident-chinas-quake-dogs-night

China is regularly hit by seismic tremors. Around 200 people were left dead or missing by a quake in Sichuan province last month, and hundreds of thousands have been killed in major disasters in the past.

The earthquake authority of Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province in the east, keeps dogs since they will "act abnormally when an earthquake is coming", sometimes up to 10 days in advance, an official surnamed Song told AFP.

The bureau used the dogs at the request of the provincial government, he added, saying that chickens and ducks could be effective as well.

But neighbors are complaining on social media about the animals' nightly howling, according to the official provincial news website Dajiang.

"The compound of the Nanchang earthquake authority has I don't know how many dogs, every night at 11 pm they start barking over and over," it quoted one as saying.

Song told AFP the dogs had now been sent to a lower-level earthquake bureau in the city but denied they had been barking.

However Dajiang quoted him as saying the dogs could be muzzled to accommodate residents' concerns.

Asked if that would stop them carrying out their predictive function, he agreed and said he would ask his boss what to do about that, it reported.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/curious-incident-chinas-quake-dogs-night#comments Strange But True Wed, 08 May 2013 14:18:11 +0000 30263 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/nws-dg-update-lloyd-inc-recalls-select-thyro-tabs-lots Lloyd, Inc, a pharmaceutical company, has issued a voluntary recall due to specification issues.


The following products have been included in this recall:
 

Thyro-Tabs 0.1 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*251-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.1 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*251-10
Thryo-Tabs 0.2 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*252-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.2 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*252-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.3 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*253-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.3 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*253-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.4 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*254-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.4 mg Bonus Pack NDC# 11789-*254-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.5 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*255-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.5 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*255-10
Thryo-Tabs 0.6 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*256-10
Thryo-Tabs 0.6 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*256-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.7 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*257-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.7 mg Bonus Pack NDC # 11789-*257-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.8 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*258-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.8 mg Bonus Pack NDC# 11789-*258-10
Thyro-Tabs 1.0 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*268-10
Thyro-Tabs 1.0 mg Bonus Pack NDC# 11789-*268-10

Lot Numbers: VKB11612, VKA31412, KC03312, KA33212, KA29812, VKA30812, VKD11612, KC30812, KD04012, KA30112, VKA34212, VKB20112

According to a letter obtained by Pet360, Llloyd is initiating this recall at the Veterinary Clinic level because they "do not have full assurance that all lots involved in this recall meet specifications throughout their shelf-life."

If you have the recalled Lloyd labeled Thyro-tabs in your inventory, you are urged to immediately discontinue use and return them. 

If you are a consumer with the recalled product, please contact your veterinarian or Lloyd, Inc. at 1-800-831-0004. Veterinary clinics are also urged to contact Lloyd with questions or concerns.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/nws-dg-update-lloyd-inc-recalls-select-thyro-tabs-lots#comments Alerts & Recalls Mon, 06 May 2013 21:11:55 +0000 30257 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/sogeval-recalls-several-antiseptic-flush-solutions
 
The following products have been included in the recall:
 

KETOSEB+PS FLUSH SGV 16 OZ
PHYTOVET CK ANTISEPTIC FLUSH 16 OZ
SOGEVAL SPEC PURCH NON-RETURNABLE
Lot Numbers: 110767, 110912B, 110912D, 120037B, 120448, 120605B, 120879A, 120879C, 122000B, 130052C


According to a letter obtained by Pet360, the label reports a concentration of 2% Chlorhexidine on the front panel; however, the actual concentration is 0.2% Chlorhexidine. These products were supplied to both veterinarian clinics and pharmacies.

If you are a consumer with the recalled product, please contact your veterinarian for more information. Veterinary clinics and pharmacies are urged to contact the supply center from which they purchased the affected products with questions or concerns.]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/sogeval-recalls-several-antiseptic-flush-solutions#comments Alerts & Recalls Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:14:20 +0000 30144 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/olympic-host-sochi-under-fire-plan-kill-stray-dogs

In a tender posted online this month, the Black Sea resort city that is hosting Winter Olympic Games in February 2014 asked companies to bid for a contract to "dispose" of 2,028 stray cats and dogs by the end of this year.

The city is overrun with packs of stray animals that have sometimes attacked children, a spokesman for the Sochi city authorities told AFP.

The authorities asked for bidders to organise squads that would operate between 5 AM and 8 AM and offered to pay 1.7 million rubles ($57,000) for their services.

Local activists staged a protest at the weekend calling for the animals to be sterilized or put into a shelter.

"When you translate bureaucratic language to human language, the term 'disposal' means 'murder,' wrote the Trud newspaper, slamming the "slaughterhouse" plan.

The tender has now fallen through as no bids were made, said the city spokesman.

"(The tender) led to a lot of criticism, but we are not cruel, we are trying to solve this problem," he said.

"We have packs of animals in the city, sometimes they attack children. Often these animals are sick, they carry disease."

The city is now planning to build an animal shelter, the first in the city, and a new tender will focus on sterilization rather than "disposing" of strays, he said.

Over 60 percent of Russians keep pets, according to a 2011 poll, with cats and dogs overwhelmingly popular but rarely neutered by owners.

Russia is pulling out all the stops to host the 2014 Winter Games in a $50 billion national prestige project to redevelop and showcase Sochi.
 
Image: Grigory Gusev / via Flickr]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/olympic-host-sochi-under-fire-plan-kill-stray-dogs#comments Care & Safety Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:36:42 +0000 30143 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/lifestyle-entertainment-mothers-day-printable-cards-from-your-pet Celebrate Mother's Day with these adorable printable Mother’s Day cards from your furry child. Each card is available in both cat and dog versions, plus choose from either funny or sentimental. Browse our gallery and print your favorite Pet360 card to make the best of this wag-worthy occasion.
 
 
 
 

Funny Mother’s Day Card from Cat
 

Front of card: MEEEOOW!
 
Inside of card: That Means Happy Mother’s Day in Cat!
 
Click Here to Download This Card
 
 
Sentimental Mother’s Day Card from Cat
 

Front of card: Happy Mother’s Day
 
Inside of card: To a mom who is sweeter than a cat’s meow! Love,
 
Click Here to Download This Card
 
Funny Mother’s Day Card from Dog
 

Front of card: This Mother’s Day I gave up eating your shoes,
 
Inside of card: It wasn’t easy! Thanks for being the best mom ever.
 
Click Here to Download This Card
 
Sentimental Mother’s Day Card from Dog
 

Front of card: Happy Mother’s Day
 
Inside of card: You are pawsitively the best mom a dog can have!  Love,
 
Click Here to Download This Card
 
 
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/lifestyle-entertainment-mothers-day-printable-cards-from-your-pet#comments Lifestyle & Entertainment Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:09:05 +0000 30127 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/lloyd-inc-recalls-select-thyro-tabs-lots

The following products have been included in this recall:
 

Thyro-Tabs 0.1 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*251-10
Thryo-Tabs 0.2 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*252-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.3 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*253-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.4 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*254-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.5 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*255-10
Thryo-Tabs 0.6 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*256-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.7 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC # 11789-*257-10
Thyro-Tabs 0.8 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*258-10
Thyro-Tabs 1.0 mg 120 count-Lloyd Label NDC# 11789-*268-10
Lot Numbers: VKE29211, KB33411, KB33411A, KA32111, KA32111A, KB33611, KB33611A, VKA31311, KA32511, KD33611, KD33611A, VKB30711, VKB02412, VKF33611, VKF33611A


According to a letter obtained by Pet360, Llloyd is initiating this recall at the Veterinary Clinic level because the lot number and/or expiration date may be illegible or has the potential to be erased.

If you have the recalled Lloyd labeled Thyro-tabs in your inventory, you are urged to immediately discontinue use and return them.

If you are a consumer with the recalled product, please contact your veterinarian or Lloyd, Inc. at 1-800-831-0004. Veterinary clinics are also urged to contact Lloyd with questions or concerns.]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/lloyd-inc-recalls-select-thyro-tabs-lots#comments Alerts & Recalls Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:46:59 +0000 30125 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/merit-bird-company-llc-recalls-select-vitae-products
 
The following items are included in the recall:

Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 2lbs, (#2840081)
Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840090)
Vitae Small Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840225), Vitae Small Hookbill 20lbs, (#2840234)
 Vitae Hookbill with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840252)
Vitae Large Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840279)


The recalled products were shipped between May 2012 and February 2013 and are sealed in a plastic bag or a white bulk bag for the 20# size.

According to a FDA press release, routine testing performed by Specialty Commodities revealed a positive test result for Salmonella in select Vitae bird food products. Previously, Specialty Commodities recalled parsley due to Salmonella health risk. The company has ceased production and distribution of the recalled products as the FDA investigates to find the source of the problem.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member experiences these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

At the time of this release, there have been no reports of illness associated with this recall.

If you purchased the recalled products, please return them immediately to the place of purchase or to Merit Bird Company for a full refund.

For additional information, please contact Merit Bird Company at 1-818-727-1655, Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM, Pacific Standard Time.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/merit-bird-company-llc-recalls-select-vitae-products#comments Alerts & Recalls Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:46 +0000 30122 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-california-natural
 
This Natura Pet recall expansion includes:
 

Brand: California Natural
Size: All Sizes
Description: All dry dog food, dry cat food and cat treats
UPC: All UPCs
Lot Code (s): All Lot Codes
Expiration Date: All expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014


Natura canned products and Mother Nature biscuits have not been affected.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For further information or to obtain a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 1-800-224-6123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST), or use their website contact form.]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-california-natural#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:30:02 +0000 30121 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-evo  
Natura Pet has expanded the scope of their previous recall to include all Natura dry dog, cat and ferret food products and treats with expiration dates on or before March 24, 2014 due to potential Salmonella contamination.


This Natura Pet recall expansion includes:
 

Brand: EVO
Size: All Sizes
Description: All dry dog food, dry cat food,dog treats, cat treats and all ferret food varieties
UPC: All UPCs
Lot Code (s): All Lot Codes
Expiration Date: All expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014


Natura canned products and Mother Nature biscuits have not been affected.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For further information or to obtain a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 1-800-224-6123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST), or use their website contact form.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-evo#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:25:20 +0000 30120 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-healthwise
 
This Natura Pet recall expansion includes:
 

Brand: Healthwise
Size: All Sizes
Description: All dry dog food, dry cat food, cat treats and all ferret food varieties
UPC: All UPCs
Lot Code (s): All Lot Codes
Expiration Date: All expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014


Natura canned products and Mother Nature biscuits have not been affected.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For further information or to obtain a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 1-800-224-6123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST), or use their website contact form.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-healthwise#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:16:25 +0000 30119 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-innova

This Natura Pet recall expansion includes:
 

Brand: Innova
Size: All Sizes
Description: All dry dog food, dry cat food, and cat treats
UPC: All UPCs
Lot Code (s): All Lot Codes
Expiration Date: All expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014


Natura canned products and Mother Nature biscuits have not been affected.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For further information or to obtain a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 1-800-224-6123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST), or use their website contact form.]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-innova#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:10:17 +0000 30118 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-karma-dog-food


This Natura Pet recall expansion includes:

Brand: Karma
Size: All Sizes
Description: All dry dog food varieties
UPC: All UPCs
Lot Code (s): All Lot Codes
Expiration Date: All expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014


Natura canned products and Mother Nature biscuits have not been affected.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you, your pet, or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For further information or to obtain a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 1-800-224-6123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST), or use their website contact form.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/natura-pet-expands-recall-karma-dog-food#comments Alerts & Recalls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:02:48 +0000 30116 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/nws-breeders-choice-recalls-active-care-biscuits
 
The following product is included in the recall:
 
Product Code/SKU/ Material #: BCP-080
 
UPC Code:  0130104895
 
Size: 24 oz.
 
Product Name: Active Care Biscuits-Healthy Dog Treats
 
Best Before Code: 19/Dec/2013
 
Product and product lots that do not appear above have not been affected.
 
According to a release from the manufacturer, the mold seems to have occurred due to varying dryer temperature settings for drying biscuits. This exposed the recalled product to excess moisture and has since been remedied.
 
Pet owners who fed their pets the recalled biscuits should watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with mold exposure include gastrointestinal issues such as loose stool. At the time of this release, there have been no reports of human or pet illnesses associated with this recall.
 
For more information, call the Central Customer Care line at (866) 500-6286 or visit goactivedog.com.
 
 
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/nws-breeders-choice-recalls-active-care-biscuits#comments Alerts & Recalls Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:50:03 +0000 30089 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/man-buys-toy-poodles-learns-they%E2%80%99re-ferrets-steroids

According to a Buenos Aires news report, the man took his new “Poodles” to the veterinarian for vaccinations and received the shocking news. The veterinarian revealed that the pair were actually ferrets on steroids. The veterinarian believes that the two were given steroids at birth to increase their size and alter their physical features to resemble the in-demand dog breed. The disguised ferrets were also groomed to look fluffy like a Toy Poodle.

This is not the first time a perspective buyer was duped into believing they were purchasing a pure bred dog for a bargain price. Previously, a local TV station reported that a woman believed she was buying a Chihuahua for a fraction of the cost, but it was also a ferret.

Not only is this an unjust practice, it is detrimental to the health of ferret being put on steroids. “From an animal welfare standpoint, it’s atrocious,” says Ashley Gallagher, a veterinarian at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C. “You are unnecessarily injecting this poor little ferret with [steroids] to alter its physique.”

 If you’re on the market for a Poodle, we compiled a list of ways to tell the difference between a Toy Poodle and a ferret so you don’t make the mistake:

Toy Poodles are generally 10 inches (or under) at the highest point of the dog’s shoulders
Toy Poodles have short bodies and longer legs
Ferret have long bodies and shorter legs
Ferrets have a longer tail
Ferrets have a distinct smell
Toy Poodles have a lifespan of about 10-15 years
The lifespan of a ferret is only about 5-8 years


“The most important thing to do in these circumstances is client education for the scammed owners,” adds Jennifer Coates, veterinarian and Fully Vetted blogger. “Ferrets need love just as much as Toy Poodles.”

The whereabouts of the ferrets are unknown. At the time of the story, the man and woman scammed have not taken legal action.
 
]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/man-buys-toy-poodles-learns-they%E2%80%99re-ferrets-steroids#comments Strange But True Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:08:00 +0000 30062 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/virbac-recalls-six-lots-iverhart-plus-flavored-chewables

The following lots have been included in the recall:

Lot 120076 (Large 51-100 pounds)
Lot 120086 (Large 51-100 pounds)
Lot 120856 (Large 51-100 pounds)
Lot 120202 (Medium 26-50 pounds)
Lot 120196 (Small up to 25 pounds)
Lot 120844 (Small up to 25 pounds)


According to a Virbac letter obtained by petMD, the recalled lots met all of the specifications at the time of their release to distributers, but further product testing showed that the ivermectin potency failed to meet stability specifications during the life of the product.

The recalled lots may not fully protect dogs in the upper third of each weight range against heartworms. At the time of this letter, no heartworm-related adverse reactions or illnesses have been reported.

For questions or concerns about the Iverhart Plus recall, please contact Virbac Technical Services at 1-800-338-3659 ext. 3052.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/virbac-recalls-six-lots-iverhart-plus-flavored-chewables#comments Alerts & Recalls Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:01:42 +0000 30061 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/barf-world-recalls-bags-lamb-and-combo-pet-food-patties
 
According to BARF World, only the BARF Lamb Patties and the BARF Combo Patties produced on July 27th, 2012 are being recalled.

The affected bags will have a white sticker towards the top, and the sticker will display a Use By date of 07/27/2013.

This voluntary recall is being conducted at the request of the FDA as the recalled products were made on the same day that a positive salmonella test occurred in the manufacturing plant.  

Salmonella can affect both animals eating the product and humans handling the pet product. If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. More severe symptoms can include arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. If you or your pets are experiencing these symptoms contact a medical professional.

If you have a BARF World recalled product in your home you are urged to discontinue use immediately and dispose of it in a safe manner (i.e. in a securely covered trash receptacle).

For replacement or a refund of recalled product(s), contact Christopher Hampson at 1-866-282-2273. You may also visit BARFWorld.com for more information about this pet food recall.
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/barf-world-recalls-bags-lamb-and-combo-pet-food-patties#comments Alerts & Recalls Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:02:31 +0000 30056 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/nws_ex_Munching_sheep_replace_lawn_mowers_in_Paris
 
Between April and October, the new "park workers" will graze grounds the size of eight tennis-courts in three two-week-long sweeps in a move to promote biodiversity and make the grooming of the capital's green areas more sustainable -- replacing both chemicals and lawn mowers.

Out of work, they will be resting back at a farm on the outskirts of Paris, the Ferme de Paris.

"For a lawn mowed 24 times a year, there is no biodiversity. When you use animals, the droppings attract insects and the insects bring birds," said Eco Terra president Alain Divo whose company plans and organises eco-pasture projects in French urban areas.

Grazing next to a ring road and by the foot of a giant grey building housing the capital's archive centr rin the 19th arrondissement, the sheep seem to have adjusted to their new environment quickly.

"The fact that they graze right away means that they're going to get used to this very quickly," Ferme de Paris sheep-keeper Marcel Collet said, noting the project that was ordered by local authorities is a "first" for the city.

Collet said eco-pasture has existed in France for about 10 years, but "really began to develop in the past three years".

He said most of the animals used in the projects are local breeds that have been made redundant due to a more intense and competitive farming culture, where they have been replaced by more productive animals.

"Breeds that were a bit local, a little less productive... were set aside," Collet said.
 
Image: Marcin Sylwia Ciesielski / via Shutterstock]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/strange-but-true/nws_ex_Munching_sheep_replace_lawn_mowers_in_Paris#comments Strange But True Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:28:49 +0000 30051 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/nws_ex_German_activists_up_in_arms_over_Biebers_pet_monkey
 
The German Animal Protection Society said Bieber should take to social media to apologize for bringing 14-week-old Mally, a capuchin monkey, into the country without the proper paperwork, and leave him with professional carers.

"In the interest of animal welfare he should absolutely not be allowed to keep the illegally imported pet," the group's president Thomas Schroeder said in a statement.

"He should use his influence on Facebook and Twitter to say he's sorry and do more in future to champion animal protection."

Mally was confiscated at Munich airport Thursday when Bieber was unable to present the necessary documents for importing a live animal.

The pet was reportedly a birthday present from Bieber's record producer and accompanied him on a private jet to Munich while the 19-year-old heartthrob tours Germany and Austria.

Authorities said Tuesday that the singer had four weeks to provide the required paperwork and claim his pet or else Mally would be kept permanently at an animal shelter.

Bieber's tour management contacted the site holding Mally Wednesday for further information on what health and species protection forms must be produced to claim Mally, local news agency DPA reported.

It added that four zoos in the United States, the Netherlands and Britain had expressed interest in taking the monkey.

Shelter director Karl-Heinz Joachim told local media that Mally, who was separated from his mother at an extremely early age, had been clinging to a soft toy since his arrival.
 
Image: Instagram]]> http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/nws_ex_German_activists_up_in_arms_over_Biebers_pet_monkey#comments Care & Safety Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:37:43 +0000 30047 at http://www.petmd.com