Animal Bytes

Nationwide Pet Food Recall

On Sept. 12, Mars Petcare US began a voluntary recall of pet food manufactured at its Everson, Pa., facility. While there have been no reports of animal or human illness, the company is recalling the food due to concerns about potential salmonella contamination. The brands include Doggy Bag, Sam’s Club Natural, Ol’ Roy, Pedigree, Pet Pride, Paws & Claws, Country Acres, Members Mark, Red Flannel, Retriever, Special Kitty and Wegman’s Bruiser and Buju & Ziggy cat and dog foods.

Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has eaten the recalled product and shows these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Children, seniors and people with compromised immune systems are at risk for cross contamination by handling of salmonella-tainted pet food. Healthy people potentially infected with salmonella may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, salmonella can cause 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.

Other information including specific UPC codes is available at petcare.mars.com.

A purr-fect evening

On Sept. 26, cat fanciers will be on the prowl at Cat Haven’s annual Cat Tales & Cocktails fundraising gala at Boudreaux’s. The event features a silent auction, cocktail buffet and live music. Tickets are available online, at weekly Airline Highway PetSmart adoptions or by mailing your check payable to Cat Haven to P.O. Box 86231, Baton Rouge, LA 70879. The cost ranges from $60 per person to $500 per table of 10. Proceeds benefit Cat Haven’s building fund. For information, visit cathaven.org.

Happy trails in Fluker

The Louisiana Equine Council sponsors an all-day trail ride in Fluker at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 17. Horses and wagons will ride down wooded trails with a small amount of gravel. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at lunch. The cost for adults is $15 per rider; the admission for children under 12 is $10. The fee includes ride, dinner upon return, DJ and live band. For information, call Jill at (985) 969-9313.