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  • South Korea - Mystery deepens after hundreds of cat deaths

    [News Focus] Mystery deepens after hundreds of cat deaths in S. Korea
    ...
    By No Kyung-min
    Published : May 19, 2024 - 11:01
    ...
    According to local animal activist groups Life and Myoeon, a total of 513 cases of cats displaying similar symptoms -- acute neuromuscular diseases, high fever, elevated liver enzymes and kidney failure -- have been documented as of May 12. Of the affected animals, 181 have died.

    The activists, citing owners, claimed that all affected felines have consumed cat food made by a single manufacturer from January to April this year.
    ...
    The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, however, found no correlation between the deaths and the suspected cat food in its investigation. It tested over 50 pet food samples currently available, including those suspected by cat owners, for 78 toxic substances, seven viruses and two types of parasites and germs.

    Additional tests conducted on 10 deceased cat bodies by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, aiming to detect 17 types of infection, 34 substances associated with myopathic disorders, and a total of 859 harmful substances, also did not yield conclusive results.

    The results suggest the recent deaths were not the result of another avian influenza outbreak, which the Agriculture Ministry identified as the culprit behind the deaths of 38 cats at an animal shelter in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in August. That outbreak was linked to the highly pathogenic H5N1 AI strain found in cat food.

    Announcing the test results, the ministry said, “Given the potential for fatalities caused by other factors, we will continue investigating potential causes and conducting tests.
    ...

    A wave of unexplained cat deaths has sparked a dispute between pet owners and authorities in South Korea, with owners unconvinced that the pet food thought to be at the center of the controversy was not to blame. According to local animal activist groups Life and Myoeon, a total of 513 cases of cats displaying similar symptoms -- acute neuromuscular diseases, high fever, elevated liver enzymes and kidney failure -- h...


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    In reference to the bird flu outbreak in cats mentioned in this article:

    South Korea - Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in cats 2023

    https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/asia/h5n1-h5n8-h1n08-tracking/korea/south-korea-tracking/977123-south-korea-outbreak-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-cats-2023​

  • #3

    Related food and cat test results, including cat death 2024.05.12 11:00:00

    Animal Welfare and Environmental Policy Director Companion Industry Animal Medical Team


    The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ( Minister Song Mi-ryeong , hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ) has inspected feed requested for inspection in relation to cat deaths (approximately 30 cases , including 3 previously tested ) and related feeds in distribution ( approximately 20 cases ) for hazardous substances ( approximately 20 cases ). Tests were conducted for 78 types * ), viruses (7 types ), parasites (2 types ), and bacteria (2 types ) , and the test results were found to be ‘ suitable ( or negative , undetectable ) . ’

    * 5 types of heavy metals , 7 types of mycotoxins , 37 types of pesticide residues , 27 types of veterinary drugs , salmonella D, melamine

    As a result of testing for pathogens and toxic substances in 10 cats referred to the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Headquarters , 7 types of viruses , 8 types of bacteria , 2 types of parasites , and 34 types of substances related to myopathy ( nutrition deficiency) 3 types , 31 types of poisoning ), and 859 types of other harmful substances ( 7 types of rodenticides , 669 types of pesticides , 176 types of veterinary drugs, etc. ) were tested negative or no direct causality with the cat death was confirmed .

    However , the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to investigate and test additional causative substances , considering that the possibility of death due to causative substances cannot be ruled out . In addition , they announced that they plan to continuously monitor this and respond in close cooperation with the animal medical community , feed industry , and animal protection groups .




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