The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says children and pets should not be exposed to Evamist, a drug for women that is sprayed on the skin to treat hot flashes caused by menopause.
The agency also wants consumers to take precautions to ensure that children and pets do not make contact with skin where Evamist has been sprayed.
Evamist contains the estrogen hormone estradiol. It is sprayed inside the forearm between the elbow and wrist.
FDA, which issued its warning on July 29, 2010, says it is reviewing reports of adverse events in children and pets who were inadvertently exposed to Evamist.
Adverse events reported in unintentionally exposed children include
premature puberty, nipple swelling, and breast development in girls
breast enlargement in boys
FDA has also received reports of inadvertent exposure in pets. Pets exposed to Evamist may exhibit signs such as mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling.
"Women using Evamist need to be aware of the potential risks to children who come in contact with the area of skin where this drug is applied," says Julie Beitz, M.D., a director of drug evaluation with FDA. "It is important that people know to keep both children and pets away from the product to minimize exposure."
not allow children to come in contact with the area of the arm where Evamist was sprayed
not allow pets to lick or touch the arm where Evamist was sprayed. Small pets may be especially sensitive to the estrogen in Evamist. Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of nipple and/or vulvar enlargement, or any other sign of illness
wear a garment that covers the arm where Evamist was sprayed if they know they cannot keep a child or pet from making contact with it
talk with their health care professional if they have questions about the possibility of exposing a child to Evamist
read the patient package insert when picking up a prescription for Evamist
If a child comes in contact with the part of the arm where Evamist was sprayed, FDA recommends
washing the child's skin with soap and water as soon as possible
contacting the child's health care professional if the child begins to have any of the following signs or symptoms: nipple or breast swelling or breast tenderness in girls, or breast enlargement in boys. Be sure to tell the health care professional that the child may have been exposed to Evamist
You can report any side effects from the use of Evamist to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online 4or by mail, fax, or phone. o Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 3500 o Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178 o Phone: 1-800-332-1088
At this time, it is unknown whether unintended exposure can occur with other topical (applied to the skin) estrogen products.
FDA continues to review adverse event reports and evaluate ways to reduce unintended exposures.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page5, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
H. 4285 would prevent accidental and malicious poisonings of pets and people by requiring that a bittering agent be added to antifreeze to make it less palatable.
This important legislation easily passed the Massachusetts House and Senate, and is waiting for Governor Patrick's signature to become law in Massachusetts.Ask him to sign it!
We are writing to you because your call could make a difference.You can reach the Governor's office at 617-725-4005 or, toll-free in state, 888-870-7770.
Key points to make when you call:
1.Ask the Governor to sign the bill into law
2.Let him know that:
Most automotive antifreeze contains highly toxic ethylene glycol;
The smell and taste of antifreeze appeals to animals and children, who can be poisoned by very small amounts;
Tens of thousands of pets - and countless wild animals - die each year from antifreeze poisoning;
The addition of an aversive, extremely bitter substance such as
denatonium benzoate would make antifreeze unpalatable to animals and
children;
Twelve other states have already passed laws requiring bittering agents to be added to antifreeze.
If you cannot call, click here to be connected to Governor Patrick's contact page, where you can scroll down to fill out a form to send an email to the Governor:
Email advocacy@mspca. org if you have any questions. Visit our website for more information and additional points to make.Thank you.
Massachusetts House Bill 1499 will help pets
trapped in domestic violence situations by allowing courts to include them in
orders of protection. Victims of domestic abuse often remain in dangerous or
dysfunctional relationships to protect their pets—the ability to include
animals in domestic protective orders is an effective way to prevent this, and
it costs the state nothing.
Sadly, animals are often used as pawns in domestic
disputes. A study of women seeking temporary "safe haven" shelter
showed that 71% of those having companion animals reported that their partners
had threatened, hurt, or killed their animals—and many more battered women
never even go to a shelter because they fear for the safety of the pets they
must leave behind.
Many states have already passed laws allowing pets
to be included in court-issued orders of protection. This is your chance—help
Massachusetts become the next state to take this important step in the fight
against domestic violence and animal abuse.
What You Can Do
HB 1499 is pending in the state legislature's
Joint Judiciary Committee, which only has until March 17 to pass the bill and
allow it to advance in the legislative process. Please call your state senator
and representative today to ask them to support HB 1499 and request that they
advise the Joint Judiciary Committee chairs to pass the bill out of committee.
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to learn more and
to find your legislators’ phone numbers.
Thank you, Massachusetts, for joining the fight
against domestic violence.
From: MSPCA
American Humane Update - Stop Pound Seizure
Pound Seizure in the United States
Pound seizure is the practice of animal shelters selling or giving cats and dogs for experimentation or research. The cats and dogs are obtained from the shelter by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) random-source Class B dealers (animal brokers) or directly by research facilities or educational training institutions (such as medical or veterinary training schools). There are currently 10 random-source Class B dealers in the country, many of whom are under investigation by the USDA.
Pound seizure is a blight on any shelter that allows the practice. It is a betrayal of public trust in the purpose of sheltering homeless, unwanted, abused or neglected animals. Seventeen states plus the District of Columbia have passed laws banning pound seizure. Yet the remaining states allow the practice, and three mandate it (Minnesota, Oklahoma and Utah). Pound seizure is also detrimental to shelters because once citizens find out that a shelter practices pound seizure, they become resistant to donating money to that shelter, and hesitant to surrender stray animals to the shelter or call in complaints of abuse or neglect for fear of what might happen to the animals.
American Humane opposes the surrender of animals by animal shelters and animal control agencies to labs, pharmaceutical and educational institutions, or any scientific or research facility. All animals that are in the possession of a shelter or animal control agency should be returned to their rightful owners, placed in suitable homes or humanely euthanized. In a situation in which there is a law mandating the release of animals from shelters for purposes of biomedical research, the local animal care or control agency and the humane community should work to repeal such a law, and American Humane is available to help do so.
In late 2009, the federal Pet Safety and Protection Act was refiled by Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (S 1834) and Rep. Mike Doyle (HR 3907) to prohibit any research facility from obtaining random-source animals from USDA Class B dealers. The bills were refiled in the wake of a 2009 congressional study that determined that Class B dealers are no longer required to supply random-source animals to research facilities that still use those animals.
Please help save lives - spay/neuter your pets. Promote humane care of animals. Teach children to be kind to animals. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR BELOVED PET.
The Importance of Keeping Your Pets Inside
With wildlife encroaching on residential property these days, it's increasingly important to protect your pet from predators. It is natural for wildlife to prey on small animals, and we cannot blame them for seeking food sources. BUT what we can do is protect our much loved pets from becoming their victims. Do not leave your pets unattended outside, even within the confines of a fenced-in yard.
Predators are not confined to wildlife, but come in human form as well. Recently, a 3-month old puppy was shot by a neighbor while the puppy was confined in his own yard.
Don't let your pet become a victim to wildlife or human predators! Keep your pets indoors and stay with them while they are outdoors.
*** Greyhounds to be Used as Mascots Without Proper Care ***
GREY2K USA shares the concerns of those working to prevent the acquisition of two greyhounds as mascots for Eastern New Mexico University. Unlike other mascot programs, the ENMU proposal calls for the dogs to be kept locked up in a warehouse, and there are no plans to home the dogs either with alumni or with responsible students during the school year (or otherwise). Please read below for more information and send an e-mail to university officials today. The dogs are scheduled to be brought to the campus warehouse next week. President Steven.Gamble@enmu.edu Vice President Ronnie.Birdsong@enmu.edu Let's convince them to do right by the greyhounds! ****Special thanks to Judy Paulsen of Greyhound Companions of New Mexico for leading the fight for these dogs and to Animal Protection New Mexico for its strong advocacy**** Christine ************************************************** ENMU Proceeds with Inhumane Plan for Dog Mascots http://www.apnm.org/mailbox/nov25_09.html Several weeks ago, APNM learned of an ill-conceived plan by Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) to acquire two greyhounds from a now-closed Arizona race track and turn them into live mascots with no permanent home. The male and female greyhounds are scheduled to arrive on the Portales campus the week of December 1. APNM is joining what is a nationwide debate over ENM's inhumane proposal to use the two dogs as campus mascots, and to keep them permanently warehoused on campus without long-term and consistent human companionship recommended for domestic dogs. To make matters worse, greyhounds have complicated special needs that if not properly addressed can lead to health problems and improper care. Consider the following factors surrounding the failed mascot plan: * Greyhound advocates across the country are objecting to the ENMU scheme; * The two greyhounds will not have a permanent home or permanent, consistent care-givers; * The dogs will supposedly be cared for by junior and senior student volunteers during the daytime; * ENMU cannot say for sure who the dogs will stay with at night, what kind of environment will be provided, or how long they will stay with any given person; * There are no plans for how the dog, who typically run at racing speeds of 40 miles per hour, will be properly exercised; * Greyhounds have skin that easily rips, and there are no plans for the dogs' veterinary care; * President Gamble was unable to tell APNM who the dogs’ trainer would be, what the trainer’s background is, or exactly when or how any caretakers would be trained; * APNM’s Cruelty Case Manager, a seasoned greyhound rescuer, notes that the erratic plan for the dogs’ care would be very stressful for the dogs; * President Gamble told APNM that the university had not considered trying to place the dogs with a family in a permanent home; * There is no clear plan for who will care for the dogs over any given holiday breaks; * The website of Greyhound Connection, which is supplying the dogs, says that separation anxiety may hit Greyhounds harder than some breeds because Greyhounds seem to be more sensitive than most others; * President Gamble told APNM that ENMU plans for a half-million dollar renovation to the grim warehouse building where the dogs will be kept during the day. APNM visited the dim interior warehouse space and found it crowded with tall piles of crates and boxes. Chain link and barbed wire fencing surround what is proposed as the dogs' daytime back yard; the space is entirely devoid of shade. The enclosed yard reportedly being cleared by backhoe of shards of glass and pottery seeded by the archaeology department for student use, is an otherwise barren plot of packed earth. * APNM wrote to ENMU President Gamble, urging ENMU to abandon its mascot plans, and also followed up with an in-person meeting. The President is nonetheless still proceeding with the mascot plan. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Write or telephone President Gamble and Vice President Birdsong, urging them to abandon the inhumane and ill-fated plan for two dogs who will have no choice about being passed from one caretaker to the next to the next, for the rest of their lives. Before it's too late, speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves! Steven.Gamble@enmu.edu, 575-562-2205 Ronnie.Birdsong@enmu.edu, 575-562-4490 Points to make in your letter or call: * Live animals should not be used as campus mascots. As such, their long-term health and well-being are not a priority; * Dogs are highly social animals and thrive with a family, rather than in isolation in a warehouse. These greyhounds should be adopted by a family who will devote consistent time, energy and resources for their well-being, with thoughtful guidance by people trained specifically in the complicated care of greyhounds; * Homeless dogs should be properly adopted by caring people who are able to provide the commitment of a stable, forever home. They shouldn't be relegated to a warehouse, dependent on one busy student after another for absolutely everything; * These greyhounds have already been exploited once in their lives, they deserve to be in a caring, loving home that can provide for their needs. ENMU is being watched by a dog-loving nation. While the university still has the opportunity to do the right thing, please urge ENMU to abandon this ill-conceived plan, and act in the dogs' best interests. With this flawed idea, ENMU will become a terrible example for the New Mexico public that is otherwise regularly urged to be kind to animals. By failing to provide a permanent home for these dogs, the university has shown that almost no thought has been given to the entire inhumane proposal, stated APNM Executive Director Elisabeth Jennings.
Displaced Greyhounds
GREY2K USA has created a new web page, specifically designed to facilitate the transition of greyhounds from closing dog tracks all across the country.Three tracks (Phoenix, Raynham and Dairyland) will be ending live dog racing this month and we are working cooperatively with tracks and other adoption groups to move greyhounds to their Forever Homes.
If you are interested in helping, please visit GREY2KUSAand click on the link for the Greyhound Central Clearinghouse to learn about this new consortium. We would welcome your involvement!
Recalls
P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food Due to a Possible Health Risk Click here to read more.
Feline’s Pride is expanding its July 1, 2010 voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.
Merrick Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bags
Natures Miracle Pet Mess Clean Up, Excel Nutritional Supplements & Powdered Form Products Recalled For Possible Salmonella Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced two recalls involving pet products on Friday July 2. The recalls involve 10 oz bags of Merrick Beef Filet Squares made by Merrick Pet Care, as well as nutritional supplements and powdered form products made by the United Pet Group and sold under the Nature’s Miracle, Excel and Pro-Pet brands (as well as under private label brands).
Detailed information about both recalls can be found below in this alert. If you have any of the products covered by these recalls, please stop using them immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund.
Below is the detailed information on the two recalls. (The United Pet Group recall follows immediately after the Merrick recall.)
1. Merrick Pet Care Recalls 10oz Bags Of Merrick Beef Filet Squares
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.
If you have Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs that are covered by this recall,please stop feeding them to your pet immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund. (Returned items should be double wrapped in plastic bags to avoid exposure to possibly contaminated product.) Also, if your pet has any unfinished Merrick Beef Filet Squares, be sure to remove them safely from your home, disposing of them so they cannot be eaten by wildlife. All surface areas that come into contact with any product suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella should be washed and disinfected. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling affected products. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone recovering from an illness should not handle products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.
The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.
No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.
2.United Pet Group Nutritional Supplements and Powdered Form Products
United Pet Group has recalled a variety of nutritional supplements for dogs and powdered form products for dogs and cats. Some of these products are sold at Pet Supplies “Plus” under the Nature’s Miracle and Excel brand names. The products are also sold under the Pro-Pet name at other retailers, Also affected by the recall are products sold under private label brands at other retailers and through catalogs/websites. Please check the FDA release for a complete listing of products affected by this recall (including those carried by PSP and other retailers). Here is the link: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm
A separate list of the recalled United Pet Group products that are carried by Pet Supplies “Plus” is provided at the end of this alert. If you have any of the affected United Pet Group Products,please stop feeding them to your pet immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund. (Returned items should be double wrapped in plastic bags to avoid exposure to possibly contaminated product.)
All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between "01/2013" and "06/2013." Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.
When disposing of affected products, do so in a way that prevents them from being eaten by wildlife. All surface areas that come into contact with any product suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella should be washed and disinfected. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling affected products. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone recovering from an illness should not handle products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Here is a list of products carried by Pet Supplies “Plus” that are affected by this recall:
PRODUCT
EXPIRATION DATE
5619 Nature's Miracle Pet Mess Easy Clean-up Net WT 12oz
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel 3 in 1 Ear Powder Ear Care Net WT 1oz(28g)
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Glucosamine Joint Care 120 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Deter Coprophagia Treatment Behavioral Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Calm-Quil Calming Tablets Behavior Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care 600 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care Mega Tabs 216 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Puppy Multi Vitamin 100 Tasty Chew Tabs Time Release
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Small Breed Multi Vitamin 45 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Adult Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Joint Ensure Moderate Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Joint Ensure Advanced Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs
EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
If you have questions, please contact your local Pet Supplies “Plus” store or contact us. You can reach United Pet Group through this consumer line number: (877) 399-5226.