Wednesday, August 10, 2011

August Topics

Blue Green Algae (Microcystin) blooms are a common late summer/fall problem in Iowa lakes and ponds. They're important to keep track of because the toxin from the algae can be deadly to pets and humans. The Iowa DNR and Iowa Public Health have issued warnings for Black Hawk Lake and Lake of Three Fires. I get notice of public health threats through IRVIN, the Iowa Rapid Veterinary Information Network, and try to pass them on as they occur. For more information on Microcystin toxin see my blog post for Sept. 15th, 2009.

I haven't seen the usual high numbers of fleas so far this summer. A couple of possible reasons: flea reproduction can actually slow down in extreme heat and dry conditions when fewer larvae survive to pupate. This will change soon. Also, the newer flea medications are getting more and more effective. Studies on Vectra have shown that that only 25 percent of fleas live long enough on protected pets to bite. This is the best in the industry. For more information see the Sept. 21st, 2010 post.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Cat Food Recall

Nestle Purina has issued a voluntary recall on Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7 Plus cat food because of possible Salmonella contamination. The 3.5 pound and 7 pound dry food bags are the target of the recall. No other Purina foods are suspected. The packages carry a "best by" date of 5/12. The UPC codes are 17800 01885 for the 3.5# bags and 17800 01887 for the 7# bags. If you have purchased the recalled food discard it and call Purina @800-982-6559 or visit their website for refund information. Iowa is one of several midwest states affected. If you're an out of state visitor to our blog google Vibrant Maturity cat food recall, you'll get a gazillion hits that list the affected states.