Aminopterin, A Rat Poison, May Be Culprit in the Menu Foods Food Recall

For those following the Menu Foods Pet Food recall, the substance that is making so many of the pets ill has been found by scientists. The substance, aminopterin, is a rat poison that may have been in some Chinese wheat that had the aminopterin sprayed on it to kill rats.

The most common side effect is kidney failure that is affecting many pets as we have previously reported. The official death toll is 15, but a noted Vet has been tracking the cases and has found 241 deaths with more to be expected.

The good news is that by knowing what is causing the illnesses, Veterinarians will be able to treat the symptoms better for the pets who have eaten the tainted products.

A news conference is scheduled for this afternoon by experts in Albany, N.Y., where scientists at the state’s food laboratory made the discovery a week after a massive recall of 60 million cans and pouches was issued.
The chemical is called aminopterin.
What investigators can’t say so far is whether this is the only contaminant, if it is in all of the recalled food, or if it’s in enough quantity in to sicken more animals.
There is some good news according to the source. Knowing the chemical should aid veterinarians who are treating animals that have been sickened by the pet food. via ABC News