Pet food incidents
2.1
This chapter discusses a number of recent pet food safety incidents that
have occurred in Australia and overseas. It includes a recent cluster of
megaesophagus cases in dogs that had consumed commercial dry dog food, as well as
incidents relating to thiamine deficiency, irradiation, kidney disease, and the
chemical and physical contamination of pet foods. The chapter also considers
the impact that these events have had on pet owners.
Megaesophagus cases
2.2
Since 2017, there have been over 100 confirmed cases of megaesophagus in
dogs that consumed Advance Dermocare dry dog food. In eight cases, the
condition was considered so severe that the dogs had to be euthanased.[1]
2.3
Megaesophagus is a condition whereby the oesophagus becomes enlarged and
loses its elasticity. Animals with megaesophagus lose the ability to move food
down to their stomach and must be fed upright so the food does not get stuck in
the oesophagus. Megaesophagus cannot be reversed, and treatment is essentially
supportive. A large number of submitters presented evidence to the inquiry which
detailed their personal experiences of caring for a pet with megaesophagus. The
long‑lasting impacts of this condition, on both pets and their owners,
are discussed further in Chapter 4.
Timeline of events
2.4
On 28 December 2017, Mars Petcare, the manufacturer of Advance Dermocare
dry dog food received notice, through its customer care line, that a number of
police dogs in Victoria had been diagnosed with megaesophagus.[2] That month, Mars Petcare commenced testing of Advance Dermocare products in its
Bathurst factory to search for metals, pesticides and potential neurotoxins,
all of which are known to trigger megaesophagus. In total, 160 different potential
toxic agents were tested.[3] However, global advisers were unable to establish a causal link between Mars' dry
dog food range and the symptoms associated with megaesophagus through these examinations.
While Mars continued its own testing to support Melbourne University's U-Vet
Animal Hospital, in early 2018, U-Vet became the lead investigator.[4]
2.5
Throughout January and February 2018, liaison between Mars Petcare,
Victoria Police and the University of Melbourne continued.[5] While the nature of these discussions was not made clear to the committee, it
is understood that U-Vet continued its investigation on behalf of Victoria
Police.
2.6
On 8 March 2018, the AVA contacted its members to ensure that vets around
the country were aware of the existing megaesophagus cases, and to seek
information on behalf of the University of Melbourne's U-Vet clinic. The clinic
was interested in cases of laryngeal paralysis or megaesophagus in dogs which
did not have an underlying medical diagnosis. Dogs showing symptoms since September
2017 were of particular interest.[6]
2.7
Throughout March 2018, further reports of megaesophagus in dogs were
reported. This included a number of correctional services dogs in South
Australia, as well as two household dogs. On Saturday 24 March 2018, Mars Petcare
announced a voluntary recall of Advance Dermocare dry dog food.[7] The recall announcement was published on the PFIAA website that afternoon, and
was included on both its public site and its exclusive members section. The
following day (25 March), the PFIAA sent a newsletter alert to all 160
registered members to advise them of the recall.[8]
2.8
On Monday 26 March 2018, a teleconference involving representatives from
AVA and PFIAA took place to consider the recall.[9] The same day, the AVA published a media statement relating to the product
recall and associated cases of megaesophagus.[10] Further information about megaesophagus was published on the AVA website on 28
March 2018.[11]
2.9
The committee was informed by a number of witnesses that the investigation
by the University of Melbourne U-Vet clinic is ongoing, and the root cause of
the spate of megaesophagus cases had not yet been identified.[12] Associate Professor Caroline Mansfield, Director of U-Vet has led the investigation
into the association between megaesophagus and Advance Dermocare on behalf of
Victoria Police, which will make the decision as to whether to release the
report to the public. The committee sought a copy of the report but it was not
made available to it before the inquiry concluded.
2.10
It should be noted, however, that in May 2018, U-Vet confirmed
megaesophagus in 74 dogs, all of whom had consumed Advance Dermocare dry dog
food.[13] The committee understands that the number of dogs diagnosed with megaesophagus
has subsequently risen and that the dogs were reported to have consumed Advance
Dermocare. On the evidence available to the committee, it would appear that
there is a strong association between megaesophagus and Advance Dermocare dry
dog food. The committee believes that this association will be confirmed in the
Victoria Police report.
Megaesophagus cases in Latvia
2.11
The Latvian series of megaesophagus cases occurred during 2014–16. Submitters
highlighted that the Latvian regulatory context for these cases was similar to
Australia in that pet food standards in Latvia were not enforced and the recall
system was entirely voluntary.[14]
2.12
The Latvian Association of Veterinarians (LAV) informed the committee
that in April 2015, the state veterinary department (SVD) noticed a 10-fold
increase in the number of cases of the disease. It found that approximately 95
per cent of the 70 dogs registered with megaesophagus were being fed the same
commercial diet that was manufactured locally in Latvia.[15]
2.13
According to the LAV, even though the number of registered cases
continued to increase, the SVD resisted the call to conduct an epidemiological
investigation. The view of the SVD was that it did not have a legal obligation
to conduct such an investigation, given that dogs were not recognised as 'productive'
animals and that megaesophagus was considered unlikely to be caused by an
infectious agent. However, the LAV suggested that, because there was no
epidemiological analysis undertaken, many pet owners were not informed about
the possible link between the pet food and megaesophagus. It was argued that, as
a result, the number of cases grew during 2016.[16]
2.14
In lieu of a state investigation, a group of independent scientists, led
by Dr Ilze Matise-VanHoutan, commenced their own investigation into the
megaesophagus issue. The Latvian Ministry of Agriculture agreed to fund the
study for six months, but after no results were found in this time, the
Minister of Agriculture made the decision to cease funding.[17]
2.15
Submitters from Latvia, including the head of the Latvian megaesophagus
investigation, Dr Ilze Matise-VanHoutan, informed the committee that the
manufacturer in question continues to deny that there is any connection between
the dog food and the reported megaesophagus cases. Since first reported in
April 2015, more than 256 cases of megaesophagus have been registered and radiographically
confirmed by investigators in Latvia. Individual pet owners have also
approached the manufacturing company directly.[18]
2.16
In response to the allegations, the manufacturing company has sued 17
veterinarians and their clinics, accusing them of 'spreading unsubstantiated
claims' about the link between megaesophagus and its dog food, and for 'carrying
out [a] slandering campaign' against it. The committee was advised that the law
suit is ongoing, with the next court date set for February 2019.[19] Further discussion about the Latvian outbreak is provided in Chapter 4.
Other adverse incidents relating to pet food
2.17
In addition to the megaesophagus cases associated with dry dog food,
there have been a number of large-scale pet food safety incidents in Australia.
These are detailed below.
Cat food toxicity (2017)
2.18
In 2017, a large number of cat deaths and instances of severe illness were
associated with an American pet food known as Weruva Best Feline Friend (BFF)
cat food. Prior to death, many of these cats displayed symptoms of neurological
disease, as well as pyrexia or fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, and odd
effusions.[20] The health issues reported were associated with a specific line of foodstuffs produced
exclusively for the Australian market.
2.19
The first case of illness associated with BFF cat food appeared in April
2017.[21] On 5 May 2017, the manufacturer of Weruva BFF cat food announced that its
Australian retailers had voluntarily removed all BFF items from shelves in
Australia. The company President, Mr David Forman, published the following
message on the Weruva website:
We have recently been made aware of select Best Feline Friend
(BFF) canned foods, exclusive to the Australian market, which may have been
produced outside of intended formulation guidelines. Out of an abundance of
caution, and in partnership with our exclusive retailer of these goods, Petbarn
and City Farmers have removed all BFF items from shelves in Australia until our
analysis is complete.[22]
2.20
The pet food was subject to 'aggressive testing of ingredients and
finished product'.[23] A small percentage of cases (approximately 40 in total) were reported on the
PetFAST system, which was established by the AVA and PFIAA in February 2012.
However, many cases were also reported on a pet owners' website and through
social media sites.[24] By June 2017, there were approximately 300 suspected cases.[25]
2.21
The test results revealed that batches of Weruva BFF were deficient in
thiamine, a vital component of a cat's diet.[26] This deficiency was said to cause the neurological symptoms displayed by the
affected cats. While some veterinarians noted that the cause could well be
multifactorial, improvements were generally made when the affected pets were provided
with a different diet.[27]
2.22
Concerns with regard to thiamine deficiency have been consistently
raised amongst veterinary professionals for over 20 years.[28] Pet meat and pet food containing sulphur dioxide, sodium, and potassium
sulphite preservatives have been known to destroy the vitamin thiamine (Vitamin
B1), resulting in cat and dog mortalities. Thiamine deficiency reportedly
causes an acute onset of neurologic impairment which can accelerate rapidly
within days and result in death.[29] Cats are more susceptible to thiamine deficiency than dogs, as they require
about four times more thiamine in their diet.[30]
2.23
Thiamine deficient pet food was a major point of discussion for the Pet
Food Controls Working Group throughout 2009–2012. The Working Group was of the
view that a 'regulatory gap' existed in relation to thiamine deficiency and
that additional controls could assist in preventing further incidents. It noted
that this could be done through harmonising the previously recognised pet meat
standard (the Standard for the Hygienic Production of Pet Meat 2009 (PISC
Technical Report 88)) with the standard for pet food.[31]
2.24
It is noted that the 2017 revision of the Australian Standard for pet
food now includes a mandatory requirement that any product containing sulphur
dioxide, sulphite or potassium sulphites must contain sufficient thiamine in
accordance with the AAFCO guidelines, for the entire shelf-life of the product.
However, concerns remain about products that do not comply with the voluntary
pet food standard and which may contain sulphite or potassium sulphite – preservatives
that trigger the release of sulphur dioxide thereby destroying thiamine content.[32]
Kidney disease in dogs (2007–2009)
2.25
From 2007 to 2009, cases of acquired Fanconi-like syndrome were detected
in small dogs in Australia and in a number of other countries. A common factor
was the consumption of a particular brand of dog treats (Kramar dog treats) which
were manufactured in China. Some dental chews were also associated with the
reported cases.[33]
2.26
A study published in the Australian Veterinary Journal found that, of
the 108 dogs affected in Australia, most survived but that many required aggressive
supportive care. The treats were suspected of containing a toxin that targets the
proximal renal tubules, and which can result in severe kidney disease or
Fanconi syndrome.[34]
2.27
In 2013, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) reported
that over 3600 cases dogs and 10 cats (that had consumed jerky pet treats) had
fallen ill. Of the affected animals, there were 580 deaths recorded. Despite
numerous tests and visits to manufacturing facilities, the exact cause of the
illness 'remains elusive'.[35]
2.28
In its 2012 submission to the PFCWG, the AVA stated that media exposure
of the problem in Australia had led to a voluntary recall of Kramar dog treats.
However, the recall was not enforced, and it is believed that some retailers
may have continued to sell the product at reduced prices.[36] Alarmingly, however, the RSPCA informed the committee that as the treats have
never been subject to a recall, they are still widely distributed and sold throughout
Australia. As a result, many cases of Fanconi syndrome linked to pet treats
continue to be reported to veterinarians.[37]
Neurological impairment in cats (2008)
2.29
In late 2008, there were a number of reports of illness in cats that had
consumed imported pet food. Symptoms included neurological impairment, and in some
cases, death.
2.30
The Canadian pet food company, Champion Petfoods, stated that the
problem appeared to be restricted to Australia. It suggested that an
irradiation treatment applied to pet food for quarantine purposes, may have
been a factor in causing depletion of vitamin A, and the formation and release
of free radicals in the imported Orijen brand pet food. The conclusion reached
by the manufacturer was due to the fact that 'Orijen sales in Australian
account for less than one quarter of one percent of total sales' and yet,
Australia accounts for '100 per cent of cases'.[38]
2.31
Australia has a favourable disease and pest-free status, partly due to quarantine
measures, such as irradiation. Pet food products present a high quarantine risk
as they have the potential to contain animal disease agents or pests that are
exotic to Australia. Therefore, prior to issuing an import permit for pet food
products, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be satisfied
that the products have undergone sufficient treatment to mitigate any potential
risk.[39] According to Champion Petfoods, Australia is the only country that requires the
irradiation treatment of its Orijen brand cat foods.[40]
2.32
Following these incidents, Champion Petfoods announced a voluntary
recall of all Orijen brand cat food sold in Australia. The recall, declared on
20 November 2008, was said to be a 'precautionary measure' applicable to
Australia alone.
2.33
In June 2009, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS),
under advice from Biosecurity Australia, withdrew gamma irradiation as a
quarantine treatment option for imported cat food. Any imported dog food that
is subject to gamma irradiation must now be labelled with a warning that it
'must not be fed to cats'.[41]
Hepatotoxicosis in dogs (2011)
2.34
During 2011, a small number of dogs in Western Australia were suspected
to have been poisoned after being fed a feral camel meat diet. Two dogs were
subsequently euthanased. The camel meat was found to contain varying levels of
indospicine, a natural plant toxin which can cause liver toxicity. The same
toxin has also been found in horse meat.[42]
2.35
Although the pet food industry is subject to restrictions regarding the origins
of horse meat used in pet foods, the same restrictions do not apply to camel
meat.[43] However, in response to the 2011 incidents, the AVA reportedly increased its
efforts to inform pet food manufacturers and other relevant industries about
the potential problems associated with natural toxins.[44]
Hypercalcaemia in cats (ongoing)
2.36
In the past, there have been cases whereby cats in Australia have
developed clinical hypercalcaemia due to hypervitaminosis D. The condition,
which is attributed to excessive vitamin D concentrations, has been associated
with the consumption of a complementary tinned cat food or 'cat grass'. In each
case, the hypercalcaemia resolved relatively rapidly on withdrawal of the
particular cat food.[45]
2.37
A report published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery stated
that complementary foods 'may have the potential to induce nutritional toxicity'
even when a cat is fed a complete, nutritionally balanced diet.[46] For this reason, the RSPCA continues to warn cat owners to be mindful of the
amount of 'cat grass' consumed by their pet.[47]
Melamine contamination causing
renal failure (2007)
2.38
Throughout 2007, there were a large number of incidents involving
contaminants in pet food, leading to animal sickness and death. More than 8000
cat and dog mortalities in the US were linked to melamine and cyanuric acid in
pet food imported from China.[48] A 2009 report estimated that over 39 000 cases of renal failure in dogs
and cats in North America were due to the contaminants.[49]
2.39
Melamine is commonly found in coatings and laminates, wood adhesives,
fabric coatings, ceiling tiles and flame retardants. Affected animals display symptoms
including uremia, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy and hyperphosphatemia.[50] The AVA reported that the same toxicity was ultimately responsible for a number
of human mortalities in Asia, particularly China.[51] The melamine outbreak had significant ramifications for the regulation of pet
food in a number of Asian countries.
2.40
In the US, the outbreak resulted in the recall of over 150 brands of cat
and dog food.[52] Veterinarian Dr Andrew Spanner pointed out that while it was likely that the
problem of melamine contamination existed worldwide, it was only detected and
recalled in the US. He further noted that it was only following the recall in
the US that voluntary recalls of the same food brands took place in Australia.[53]
2.41
Although melamine is no longer approved by AAFCO for use in pet food,
the Australian Standard permits the minimum allowance of melamine in pet food
as set out by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). According to
the PFIAA, this is a globally accepted limit.[54]
Plastics contamination
2.42
In addition to chemical contamination and toxicity concerns, there have
been a number of recent reports relating to plastic contamination in pet food.[55] At rendering plants, a cooking and drying process is used to turn carcasses and
offal into protein meal—a dry product used to make stock and pet food. During
this process, ear tags that are still attached to an animal can be melted and
ground into the protein meal, resulting in contamination. Other sources of
plastic contamination in food may include plastic gloves worn by butchers and
other meat handlers.[56]
2.43
Representatives of the rendering industry have stated that the issue of
foreign contaminants is widespread. Reports suggest that Nestlé Purina Petcare received
295 customer complaints about foreign objects found in pet food in 2015, primarily
involving metal and plastics.[57]
2.44
The PFIAA stated that it is now working with its member companies to
implement a range of procedures to minimise the potential for contaminants in
pet food products. Checking systems include magnetic detection and removal of
metals, strict vendor assurance programs and audit processes, and visual
inspections of raw materials and finished products. However, it acknowledged
that contamination can still occur through means including the failure to
remove plastic ear tags from livestock or the inclusion of foreign matter in
the rumen (stomach) of sheep and cattle.[58]
Impact of adverse events
2.45
During its inquiry, the committee heard of the significant emotional
distress experienced by pet owners who had lost a pet or were caring for one
that had been impacted by pet food related illness. A large number of cases
brought to the committee's attention related to the incidence of megaesophagus
linked to dry dog food.
2.46
Dr Camilla Forss told the committee that her dog's deterioration from
the disease was like 'watching my child die'.[59] Others revealed the impact that the diagnosis had on their day-to-day lives,
including the hours spent preparing food, monitoring their pet's movements,
countless visits to the vet, and even constructing apparatuses to assist their
pet's digestion.[60]
2.47
Other pet owners, including Ms Shirley Benn, told the committee about
the difficult decision to euthanase their pets after an extended period of
suffering. Ms Benn shared her experience in losing her Maremma, Chief:
On 15 February 2018 we took our darling boy to the vet to
have him euthanised. This was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my
life... Chief stood by my side with his paw on my leg as if he was reassuring me
that it is okay...I was holding back tears trying to be strong for him. My boy
had only just turned 5 years old and here we are "giving up on him".
I would never wish this on anyone.[61]
2.48
Ms Rach Dola, who also made the tough decision to euthanase her
afflicted dog, Zara, described the profound sense of 'emptiness and guilt' she
felt after the procedure,[62] Another submitter, Mr David Passmore, described the experience as
'heartbreaking'.[63]
2.49
Submitters described the considerable distress and emotional toll such
events have had on their lives, with many noting that they are still deeply
affected by the experience. In addition, submitters noted the financial burden,
resulting from countless visits to veterinarians and animal hospitals, coupled
with the sacrifices that they have made in terms of the time and energy
required to feed and care for a sick pet.
2.50
Dr Camilla Forss noted that her income had been 'negatively impacted' by
the increased financial costs associated with the medical and dietary
requirements of her ill dog. She also stated that it had become 'impossible...to
work full time', given the supervised feeding regime that her dog now requires.[64]
2.51
Other submitters informed the committee that they had made the deliberate
decision to feed their pets a premium brand of dry food, on the understanding
that the financial impost was worth the health benefits derived from the food. In
some instances, a particular pet food was given on the advice or recommendation
of a veterinarian. For those owners whose dogs were diagnosed with
megaesophagus, their decision ultimately resulted in a far more significant
financial burden. [65]
2.52
During the inquiry, the committee was made aware of a compensation offer
made by Mars Petcare to pet owners whose dogs had been adversely affected by
its Advance Dermocare dry dog food. The company offered to repay vet bills and
cover the cost of purchasing a replacement animal. However, submitters were
indignant about the remedy suggested. Ms Lisa Dibbs stated:
[The compensation offer] does not come anywhere close to
covering the pain, suffering, sleepless nights, time off work, endless washing
of towels, purchase of numerous neck pillows, trial and error with different
beds and cushions, different foods and thousands of dollars in exploratory vet
bills trying to work out what was wrong with [my dog] and how we could treat
him. I tried everything to make him comfortable and to eat and drink. [My dog]
starved himself as it was too painful for him to eat or drink. It was
heartbreaking to sit by and watch. I felt helpless.[66]
2.53
Rather than financial compensation, the majority of submitters focused
on the need for a regulatory solution, in order to ensure that their pets'
lives were not 'lost meaninglessly'.[67]
2.54
In addition to the emotional and financial impacts caused by adverse pet
food events, the committee was made aware of the potential human health
impacts. Mrs Christine Fry shared her concerns, for example, about vulnerable
pet owners who handle pet food. She explained that any toxins found in pet food
would not only be bad for pets but also for pet owners who handle the food. In
particular, she was concerned about owners who have autoimmune diseases,
including her husband who had been diagnosed with Non‑Hodgkin Lymphoma
twice.[68] Ms Luise Pearson-Bernoth also expressed unease, noting that any bacteria and
heavy metals found in pet food 'could easily affect...children's health as well
as their pets'.[69]
2.55
Submitters' fears about human health impacts were legitimised by
evidence from veterinarian Dr Andrew Spanner, who referred to a study conducted
in the U.S. which investigated the link between salmonella infections and dry
dog and cat food. The study found that 79 salmonella infections in small
children across 21 states were caused by dry dog food.[70] Dr Spanner concluded:
I absolutely believe that if salmonella gets into pet foods
it will make its way to the humans involved. That has been shown in the US, and
I see it in my own clinic too.[71]
Processed pet food
2.56
In addition to the incidents of illness associated with pet food, the
committee heard from a number of submitters who opposed commercially produced
pet food altogether. These submitters held the view that dogs and cats are
essentially carnivores and are not suited to a commercial 'junk food' diet of
processed pet food. Instead, they suggested that animals should maintain a diet
of 'raw meaty bones' to ensure dental and digestive health.[72] Mrs Jeannine Barnard provided the following assessment of commercial pet foods:
Cats are obligate carnivores but are being fed a low protein
diet and processed carbohydrates (junk food) and our pets are just not getting
enough hydration and proper nutrition from their diets, resulting in ill health
and diseases like kidney disease.
Although dogs are a little bit flexible and may tolerate
carbohydrates in small amounts, large amounts can lead to allergies,
behavior problems, upset stomachs, weight gain, bad teeth and health. Still
this tolerance for small amounts of carbohydrates, doesn’t make them omnivores
either.
Sadly and ironically their diseases are treated by
conventional veterinarians prescribing dry food and are mostly the cause
thereof.[73]
2.57
Proponents of the 'raw meaty bones' diet argued that they had seen vast
improvements in their pets' health after making major changes to their diet. Mr
Rolf Hauptmann informed that committee that his cat, once diagnosed with life‑threatening
diabetes, was put on a diet of raw meat and bones and is now 'disease-free,
medication-free, and far healthier than previously'.[74] Another submitter, Ms Christine Lewis, stated that her dog, which had an inflammatory
bowel disorder recovered when its diet changed to one of raw meat and bones.
She submitted:
It is quite clear that my dog’s previous ill health was
entirely due to his diet of processed dog food. This is a particularly alarming
insight when we take into account the fact that the expensive canned food that
I was feeding him was specifically developed for dogs with digestive
difficulties.[75]
2.58
Dr Tom Lonsdale, a veterinarian and a prominent advocate of the 'raw
meaty bones' diet summarised his view:
Conceptually it’s impossible to manufacture food that
is safe for pets. There have never, to my knowledge, been published controlled
studies demonstrating that artificial, manufactured products are either
suitable or safe for the feeding of domestic carnivores...
...All processed pet foods, whether directly or
indirectly, injure the health of animals. From time to time identifiable
additional hazards arise — for instance chemical or bacterial contamination and
formulation deficiencies and excesses — that give rise to outbreaks of acute
disease and death.[76]
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