FDA seeks NASA's help in determining if irradiation is involved in pet treat illnesses and deaths

[Emily]

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/201...dogs-blamed-on-jerky-treats-fda-says#comments

<header><time pubdate="" datetime="2012-09-14T16:44:42-04:00">14 Sep 2012 4:44pm, EDT
</time>Pet jerky treat death toll: 360 dogs, 1 cat, FDA says

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courtesy the Mawaka family
Toby, a 6-year-old Boston terrier, died in May after his owners say he was sickened by chicken jerky pet treats made in China. At least 360 dogs and one cat have died in the past 18 months after eating the treats, according to reports to the FDA.

By JoNel Aleccia, Staff Writer, NBC News
At least 360 dogs and one cat reportedly have died in the U.S. after eating chicken jerky pet treats made in China, even as claims of illnesses tied to the products have topped 2,200, federal veterinary health officials said.
[snip]
FDA officials indicated they would ask NASA -- which has expertise in the effects of irradiated food -- for help in their analysis.

Investigating irradiation's effects on pet treats will be the latest avenue for an agency stumped by rising reports of deaths and illnesses in pets

8 hours ago
Deaths of 500 dogs blamed on jerky treats, FDA says
By JoNel Aleccia, Staff Writer, NBC News

Some 500 dogs and nine cats may have died after eating chicken jerky pet treats made in China, according to updated complaints logged by federal veterinary health officials...

More here.