Cottontail Rabbit Numbers Diminishing in New England

Some sad news to report.....due to loss of habitat the numbers of cottontail rabbits are diminishing.

Cottontails need room to breed like bunnies

Written by

Stephen Kalin

Associated Press

The New England cottontail was once so common that Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess adapted one named Peter for the children’s stories he penned a century ago.

But the critter that inspired “The Adventures of Peter Cottontail” and the enduring song that came later faces an uncertain future. Its natural habitat is disappearing, and without intervention, it could be unhappy trails for the once-bountiful bunny.

Conservationists are hoping a new program to restore shrub land across the Northeast and captive breeding efforts will help ensure the New England cottontail sticks around for many Easters to come.

“We’re making headway, putting habitat on the ground in some really key places,” said Anthony Tur, an endangered-species specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The New England cottontail is the only rabbit species native to the region east of the Hudson River. They were abundant a century ago, thriving in an environment of shrubs, saplings, weeds and vines known as young forest. But in an uncommon turn of events, it is declining human activity to blame for its lost habitat — not urban sprawl.

As neglected agricultural lands reverted back to forest and those forests matured, the population of New England cottontails thinned. More than 80 percent of their habitat disappeared over the past 50 years, according to the nonprofit Wildlife Management Institute.

And now conservationists are trying to prevent the New England cottontail from appearing on the endangered species list, a designation that would require a more urgent — and costly — response that could restrict land use and hunting.

The Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Resources Conservation Service are working with landowners and zoos to restore natural habitat and use captive breeding to rebuild the population.

BREEDING PROGRAM

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island began breeding the New England cottontail in captivity two years ago. Officials there have already released 38 young rabbits tagged with radio collars into restored habitats in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. They expect to release 100 more later this year.
Lou Perrotti, director of conservation programs at the zoo, said the New England cottontail had not previously been bred in captivity, so his staff is “writing the book on husbandry and reproduction of the species.”

Vial of Potentially Deadly Virus Missing from Texas lab

As if we don't have enough to worry about already.......

 

Vial Of Potentially Deadly Virus Missing From Texas Lab

1

Posted: March 25, 2013

A vial containing a potentially harmful strain of a virus disappeared from a laboratory in the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston early last week. Officials are now notifying the public as a precaution. The vial had been locked inside a bio-hazard freezer within the UTMB campus.

The missing vial contained a strain of Guanarito virus. The virus is an arenavirus, one that can infect rodents and then be transferred to humans. The zoonotic disease, first identified in 1989, is responsible for Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever (VHF), which was most prevalent in rural areas of central Venezuela from 1989 to 2006 when it presented with 618 cases.

The disease is spread through inhaling aerosolized droplets of saliva, urine, respiratory secretions, and blood from infected rodents. The most common natural hosts were short-tailed cane mice.

Guanarito virus is one of the diseases derived from the family Arenaviruses, which can vary in severity in subgroups of Old World and New World viruses. All types of viral hemorrhagic fevers are characterized by fever and bleeding disorders. All can progress to high fever, shock, and death. There can be milder cases of the condition.

The virus does not pose a great public threat as it is rare for the disease to pass from human-to-human contact. However, it is still concerning a virus can go missing from a secure laboratory environment.

Once lab officials at the UTMB realized one of the five stored vials was missing they contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Texas facility did not appear to have a breach or break-in, nor have any other materials gone missing under suspicious circumstances.

They do not believe at this time that the vial was stolen but assume it was likely misplaced. Officials also surmise the virus was likely destroyed during the normal laboratory decontamination and cleaning process, but the investigation is ongoing. This is the first time any vial containing a select agent has been unaccounted for at UTMB.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/588096/vial-of-potentially-deadly-virus-missing-from-texas-lab/#j3VKLMiv70HFWjIe.99

The Death Penalty for Famous Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil

Some tongue in cheek news........

Ohio Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Famous Groundhog

Should Punxsutawney Phil pay the ultimate price for predicting an early spring?

By Laura Blum

March 21, 2013

Groundhog Club co-handler Ron Ploucha holds Punxsutawney Phil after the club said Phil did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring, on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2013, in Punxsutawney, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Six weeks after weather-predicting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil signaled that spring would arrive early, much of the country remains in the throes of winter, with more storms on the way.

Yes, Phil blew his big forecast - big time.

And while some might just shrug off the mistake, officials in Butler County, Ohio, won't let it go that easily.

On March 21, the county's prosecuting attorney Michael Gmoser indicted the groundhog, alleging that Phil "did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that Spring would come early."

The indictment continues:

Contrary to the Groundhog Day report, a snowstorm and record low temperatures have been and are predicted to continue in the near future, which constitutes the offense of MISREPRESENTATION OF EARLY SPRING.

What's more, Gmoser alleges that Phil committed an unclassified felony, and he believes the rodent deserves the death penalty. In the words of the indictment:

The people further find and specify that due to the aggravating circumstances and misrepresentation to the people that the death penalty be implemented to the defendant, Punxsutawney Phil.

Gmoser needn't look far for support. Internet users far and wide lashed out at the groundhog in recent days, calling him a liar and calling for his head.

The humorous newspaper "The Onion" even got in on the action, publishing a story on March 18 entitled, "Punxsutawney Phil Beheaded for Inaccurate Prediction on Annual Groundhog Slaughtering Day."

So, does Gmoser really want to see Phil pay the ultimate price for his failed forecast?

Not exactly. Regarding any potential litigation, the prosecutor told The Washington Post, "I hope everyone understands it's tongue-in-cheek..."

Big Time Food Recall - Natura Pet Products

Another food recall due to Salmonella contamination....from the FDA

Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact
Consumer
800-224-6123

Media
Jason Taylor
513-622-3205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -March 18, 2013 - Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were made in a single production facility during a two week window in December 2012. Routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture collected from a single retail location tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. As a precautionary measure, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products from this production window.

The affected products are sold in bags through veterinary clinics, select pet specialty retailers, and online in the United States, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Costa Rica. Product expiration dates range from 12/17/2013 – 1/2/2014. Product was distributed by Natura Pet Products between December 18, 2012 through March 15, 2013. No other dry food, canned food, biscuits, bars or treats are affected by this announcement.

A complete list of products in the scope of this recall are listed at the end of this release. Additional information on these products can be found at www.naturapet.com.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).

Please see the Table of Affected Products.

BRAND	DESCRIPTION	SIZE	BAG UPC	All Lot Numbers
CALIFORNIA NATURAL	DOG KANGAROO & RED LENTILS GRAIN FREE	4oz	7 51485 15987 4	2362A70004
CALIFORNIA NATURAL	DOG KANGAROO & RED LENTILS GRAIN FREE	30LB	7 51485 39940 9	2362A70001
CALIFORNIA NATURAL	DOG KANGAROO & RED LENTILS GRAIN FREE	15LB	7 51485 39941 6	2362A70002
CALIFORNIA NATURAL	DOG KANGAROO & RED LENTILS GRAIN FREE	5LB	7 51485 39942 3	2362A70003
CALIFORNIA NATURAL	DOG KANGAROO & RED LENTILS GRAIN FREE - BILINGUAL	30 LB	7 51485 12564 0	3015A70001
EVO	CAT & KITTEN TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15250 9	2355A70004,2366A70004
EVO	CAT & KITTEN TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	15.4LB	7 51485 41400 3	2356A70002,2366A70002
EVO	CAT & KITTEN TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	6.6LB	7 51485 41401 0	2355A70003,2356A70003,3001A70003,3002
EVO	CAT & KITTEN TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 41402 7	2355A70004,2356A70004,2366A70004
EVO	CAT HERRING & SALMON FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15251 6	2357A70004,2361A70004
EVO	CAT HERRING & SALMON FORMULA	15.4LB	7 51485 41410 2	2361A70002
EVO	CAT HERRING & SALMON FORMULA	6.6LB	7 51485 41411 9	2361A70003,2362A70003
EVO	CAT HERRING & SALMON FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 41412 6	2361A70004
EVO	DOG RED MEAT FORMULA LARGE BITE	28.6LB	7 51485 12675 3	2363A70001
EVO	DOG RED MEAT FORMULA LARGE BITE	13.2LB	7 51485 12676 0	2363A70002
EVO	DOG RED MEAT FORMULA LARGE BITE	6.6LB	7 51485 12677 7	2363A70003
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15255 4	2356A70004
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN SENIOR FORMULA	28.6LB	7 51485 12685 2	2356A70001
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN SENIOR FORMULA	13.2LB	7 51485 12686 9	2356A70002
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN SENIOR FORMULA	6.6LB	7 51485 12687 6	2356A70003
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	28.6LB	7 51485 12616 6	2366A70001
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	13.2LB	7 51485 12617 3	2364A70002
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	6.6LB	7 51485 12618 0	2366A70003
EVO	DOG TURKEY & CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15205 9	2366A70004
EVO	FERRET FOOD TURKEY & CHICKEN FORMULA	6.6LB	7 51485 42101 8	2355A70003,3002A70003
HEALTHWISE	DOG CHICKEN MEAL & OATMEAL WEIGHT CONTROL FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15442 8	2362A70004
HEALTHWISE	DOG CHICKEN MEAL & OATMEAL WEIGHT CONTROL FORMULA	35LB	7 51485 70720 4	2361A70001
HEALTHWISE	DOG CHICKEN MEAL & OATMEAL WEIGHT CONTROL FORMULA	17.5LB	7 51485 70721 1	2361A70002
HEALTHWISE	DOG CHICKEN MEAL & OATMEAL WEIGHT CONTROL FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 70722 8	2362A70003
HEALTHWISE	DOG LAMB MEAL & OATMEAL FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15444 2	2362A70004
HEALTHWISE	DOG LAMB MEAL & OATMEAL FORMULA	35LB	7 51485 70740 2	2361A70001,2362A70001
HEALTHWISE	DOG LAMB MEAL & OATMEAL FORMULA	17.5LB	7 51485 70741 9	2361A70002,2362A70002
HEALTHWISE	DOG LAMB MEAL & OATMEAL FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 70742 6	2362A70003
HEALTHWISE	PUPPY CHICKEN MEAL & BROWN RICE FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15443 5	2362A70004
HEALTHWISE	PUPPY CHICKEN MEAL & BROWN RICE FORMULA	35LB	7 51485 70730 3	2362A70001
HEALTHWISE	PUPPY CHICKEN MEAL & BROWN RICE FORMULA	17.5LB	7 51485 70731 0	2362A70002
HEALTHWISE	PUPPY CHICKEN MEAL & BROWN RICE FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 70732 7	2353A70003,2362A70003
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15995 9	2363A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 41387 7	2363A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 41392 1	2362A70002,2363A70002
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 41393 8	2362A70003,2363A70003
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR 8 PLUS FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15998 0	2353A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR 8 PLUS FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15998 0	2353A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR 8 PLUS FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 41603 8	2353A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR 8 PLUS FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 41607 6	2353A70002
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR 8 PLUS FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 41608 3	2353A70003
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15988 1	2354A70004,2363A70004,2364A70004
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 41389 1	2354A70002,2362A70001,2363A70001
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 41390 7	2354A70003,2364A70003
INNOVA	CAT TURKEY AND CHICKEN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 41391 4	2354A70004,2363A70004
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE BEEF AND LAMB MEAL FORMULA	25LB	7 51485 12730 9	2361A70001
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE BEEF AND LAMB MEAL FORMULA	12LB	7 51485 12731 6	2361A70001
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE BEEF AND LAMB MEAL FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 12732 3	2361A70003
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE HERRING AND SALMON FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 12365 3	2362A70004
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE HERRING AND SALMON FORMULA	25LB	7 51485 12727 9	2366A70001,3001A70001,3038A70001
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE HERRING AND SALMON FORMULA	12LB	7 51485 12728 6	2363A70002,2364A70002
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE HERRING AND SALMON FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 12729 3	2363A70003,2364A70003
INNOVA	DOG PRIME GRAIN FREE HERRING AND SALMON FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15313 1	2364A70004
INNOVA	DOG SALMON AND HERRING FORMULA	25LB	7 51485 12362 2	2357A70001,2361A70001,2363A70002
INNOVA	DOG SALMON AND HERRING FORMULA	12LB	7 51485 12363 9	2361A70002
INNOVA	DOG SALMON AND HERRING FORMULA	5LB	7 51485 12364 6	2363A70003
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA	30LB	7 51485 12320 2	2354A70002,2355A70001,2355A70002,2363A70001,2364A70001
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 12321 9	2354A70002,2355A70002,2363A70002
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 12322 6	2354A70003
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA	2.2LB	7 51485 12376 9	2354A70004
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15990 4	2354A70004
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BITE FORMULA-BILINGUAL	30 LB	7 51485 12552 7	3015A70001
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	30LB	7 51485 12704 0	2353A70001,2354A70001
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 12705 7	2354A70002
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15300 1	2354A70004
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA-BILINGUAL	30 LB	7 51485 12554	3015A70001
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR PLUS 11 PLUS FORMULA	30LB	7 51485 12326 4	2352A70001,2353A70001
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR PLUS 11 PLUS FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 12327 1	2352A70002,2353A70002
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR PLUS 11 PLUS FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 12328 8	2353A70003
INNOVA	DOG TURKEY AND CHICKEN SENIOR PLUS 11 PLUS FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15310 0	2353A70004
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	30LB	7 51485 12332 5	2356A70001
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 12333 2	2356A70002
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 12334 9	2356A70003
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15994 2	2356A70004
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	30LB	7 51485 12740 8	2356A70001
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	15LB	7 51485 12741 5	2356A70002
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	6LB	7 51485 12742 2	2356A70003
INNOVA	PUPPY TURKEY AND CHICKEN LARGE BREED FORMULA	4oz	7 51485 15302 5	2356A70004

Top 10 Safest Cars for Your Pets

Very interesting article from Edmunds.com.

Pet safety for furry passengers has been a popular news topic over the past year, with New Jersey considering mandatory seat belts for dogs and cats, and Subaru partnering with the Center for Pet Safety to fund testing of car safety restraints for pets.

Now Edmunds.com, a site that provides consumers with automotive information and shopping advice, has released its list of the 10 safest vehicles for pets.

The vehicles on the list have pet-friendly features and are all priced starting below $35,000, said Edmunds.com Automotive Content Editor Warren Clarke.

The vehicles that made the list are, in alphabetical order:

• Dodge Journey - Pet-safe features include a rearview camera that prevents drivers from backing over pets; an in-dash cooler that can be used to store beverages, medicine or pet food; and steering-wheel-mounted controls that can decrease driver distraction.
• Ford Flex - According to Edmunds.com, the Ford Flex boasts a roomy interior and wide door openings that allow pets to easily climb in and out.
• GMC Acadia - The Acadia offers advanced climate control so pets can stay cool in the back seat, as well as fold-flat seats in the rear that offer more room for pets and their crates to travel.
• Hyundai Tucson - The Tucson features rear fold-flat seats, privacy glass that keeps temperatures low for pets, and remote keyless entry to help pet owners load their pets when their hands are full.
• Jeep Liberty - The Jeep Liberty is highly specialized for pets, offering pet owners the choice of crates, carriers, and even a ramp that can help arthritic or elderly dogs enter the vehicle.
• Kia Soul - The Soul can be purchased with side curtain airbags that protect pets and their owners, as well as privacy glass that lowers temperatures to keep pets cool and comfortable, according to Edmunds.com.
• Mazda 5 - The Mazda 5 features sliding rear doors, which make it especially easy for people to load their pets into the car. The minivan also has tethers and anchors to assist with secure attachment of pet safety seats.
• Mitsubishi Outlander - The Outlander includes fold-flat seating and stowable third-row seats to ensure plenty of space for transporting pets.
• Subaru Tribeca - Edmunds.com recommends the Tribeca for pet owners due to its steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls and rear back-up camera.
• Volvo XC70 - The XC70 comes with an optional pet barrier that Volvo designed to keep pets safe and secure in the event of a collision. It also comes with a blind spot warning system that can be helpful if pets impede the driver's vision.

The Top Pet Toxins of 2012

From the ASPCA....

What’s Poisoning Our Pets: The Top Pet Toxins of 2012

Thursday, March 14, 2013 -

In 2012, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Illinois, handled more than 180,000 cases about pets possibly exposed to poisonous substances—and some breeds seemed to make up a lot more of those calls than others.

Nearly 14,000 of APCC’s 2012 calls were from worried pet parents of Labradors. Domestic shorthair cats were involved in approximately 10,000 cases (the second-most popular breed involved in APCC calls). Mixed-breed dogs (8,000 cases), Chihuahuas (4,833 cases), Golden Retrievers (4,819 cases) and Yorkshire Terriers (3,800 cases) rounded out the top six.

No matter what kind of pets they had, thousands of pet parents called us about the same products last year. Here were the top five poisons that caused pet parents to call APCC for help in 2012:

1. Prescription Human Medications
APCC handled 25,000 cases regarding human prescription medications in 2012. The top three types of medications that animals were exposed to were: heart medications (blood pressure pills), antidepressants and pain medications (opioids and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

2. Insecticides
While just 11% of all calls to the APCC are about insecticides, more than 50% of the calls to APCC involving cats pertain to felines exposed to insecticides.

3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications
This group contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen as well as herbal and nutraceutical products (fish oil, joint supplements).

4. Veterinary Products and Medications
Veterinary products made up nearly 6% of APCC’s case volume for 2012. Both OTC and prescription veterinary products are included in this group. Watch out for flavored tablets!

5. Household Products
APCC fielded more than 10,000 calls about household products in 2012. Household toxins can range from fire logs to cleaning products.

6. People Food

More than 5% of our cases in 2012 were related to the ingestion of people food. One particularly common food accidentally ingested by pets is xylitol (the sugar substitute). Xylitol can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs.

7. Chocolate 

Chocolate is still the number one people food that pets ingest (we received over 8,500 calls last year). Too much chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate and seizures.

8. Plants

More than 7,000 cases in 2012 were pet parents calling about their animals eating plants. This is one category that cats lead dogs in the number of exposures. Lilies can cause kidney failure and death in cats. Please see our list of toxic/non-toxic plants for more information. 

9. Rodenticides

When putting out baits to kill mice and rats, never underestimate the resourcefulness of your pet. Nearly 4% of calls to the APCC in 2012 were related to baits. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures.

10. Lawn and Garden Products

Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive to pets, so it is not surprising that we get many calls (almost 3,600 in 2012) on lawn and garden items.

Think you know your poisons? Take the ASPCA’s I Can’t Believe It’s Poisonous Quiz on Facebook!

And remember: If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Bravo! Raw Food Diet Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination

Another day, another recall....lots of Salmonella in pet foods recently.

Bravo! Raw Food Diet Pet Food Recalled for Possible Salmonella

March 13, 2013 by Kathy Will 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is telling consumers to avoid feeding or handling Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. This is a frozen pet food product. There are no reports of human or animal illnesses associated with the consumption or handling of this product.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but healthy pets can infect other animals or people if they are untreated. If your pet ate this product and is unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The recalled product is for the 2 pound size of Bravo! Chicken Blend with best if used by date of 6/12/14 only. The production code is 06/14/12, located on the white tag on the end of the package and the product code is 21-102. No other products, sizes, or production dates are involved. Consumers are asked to discard any of these products they may have. For questions, contact the company at 1-866-922-9222.