Veterinary Group Says Nationwide Over 100 Pet Deaths Blamed On Recalled Food

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ At least 471 cases of pet kidney failure have been reported in the ten days since a nationwide recall of dog and cat food. <br/><br/>The maker of the recalled pet food has confirmed

Wednesday, March 28th 2007, 8:50 am

By: News On 6

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ At least 471 cases of pet kidney failure have been reported in the ten days since a nationwide recall of dog and cat food.

The maker of the recalled pet food has confirmed the deaths of only 16 pets.

But the founder of the Veterinary Information Network, Paul Pion, says the number of reported kidney failure cases had already grown higher than the 471. Pion says he wouldn't have an updated tally for a few days.

Of the reported cases, Pion says 104 animals have died.

Scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory identified a rodent poison as the likely culprit in the scare. It prompted the recall of 95 brands of ``cuts and gravy'' style dog and cat food by the maker, Menu Foods of Ontario, Canada.

Oregon veterinarians say they suspect 13 pets have died among 47 sickened after eating tainted food.