Deadly pet poison ‘may reappear’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au AGRICULTURE Victoria is warning that more cases of pet-food poisoning – which killed two dogs at a Mornington Peninsula pet hospital in the past month – may reappear in coming weeks. The two dogs were among six taken by distressed owners to the Peninsula Vet Emergency Hospital with lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and jaundice consistent with liver disease. The cases occurred from mid-July to mid-August. Testing found the toxin indospicine in the blood and liver of the sick dogs and in pet meat samples. The naturally occurring contaminant is found in the indigofera plant from the Northern Territory. Dogs are especially sensitive to its toxic effects in meat from livestock that grazed the plant. Horses grazing where the plant grows are considered the most likely source. While there have been no more recent cases reported to the vet hospital, Agriculture Victoria and PrimeSafe – the authority responsible for regulating meat, poultry, seafood and pet food in Victoria – warn that more cases of indospicine poisoning may appear “in coming weeks”. Dr Wey Yen Loh, who heads the pet hospital’s emergency and critical care department, in Mornington-Tyabb Road, said of the six dogs treated “two progressed to develop severe liver failure and had to be euthanised. Four other dogs recovered after developing mild disease”. Agriculture Victoria said about 60 dogs had been affected across Victoria, with 21 dying. Cases were rife on the Mornington Peninsula,
Bairnsdale, Traralgon, and in the eastern suburbs. Dr Loh said the authorities had confirmed pet meat from the Maffra District Knackery was contaminated with indospicine between 31 May-3 July. It has been found to affect dogs “more significantly, whereas livestock that have grazed on these plants will end up storing the toxin within the muscles. Indospicine is not known to be toxic to humans.” Affected products sold at Backmans Greyhound Supplies, Seaford, had been recalled. The outlet was contacted for comment but referred The News back to the Maffra knackery. Dr Loh said contaminants may be present in pet supply products across Victoria. “We recommend anyone with raw pet meat sourced in the above dates dispose of it immediately to reduce the risk of exposure.” PrimeSafe and Agriculture Victoria have closed their investigation but warn the toxin may still be in products in pet owners’ freezers and that neither cooking nor freezing will destroy it. All pet meat, including beef and kangaroo, should be considered at risk of contamination due to the blending of pet meats during processing, the department said in a statement. “Indospicine can build up slowly when affected meat is consumed regularly by dogs. It can then reach levels sufficient to cause toxicity, so, if your dog has been fed pet meat matching the description, and they have not become unwell, do not assume your pet meat is safe. “Contact your supplier to confirm the source of your pet meat.”
Chasing change for suicide prevention and mental health awareness THE community is again being invited to participate in the annual World Suicide Prevention Day event that is being hosted by the local Suicide Prevention Network Chasing Change on 10 September. The day aims to raise mental health awareness as well as acknowledge those that have been lost to suicide. This year’s theme, Creating Hope Through Action, is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that the actions of individuals, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to someone who is struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and the community is a key player in its prevention. Chasing Change volunteer, Rebecca Tyler, said, “our community can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments - as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour”. “We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide. “This year, Chasing Change would like to invite the community to participate in the annual Walk for Suicide Prevention in their own time and to tie a ribbon on the chain link fence along
the Esplanade at Mornington Park as a sign of their commitment to suicide prevention and recognition of those that have been lost to suicide. “If you would like to register to take part in the walk, Chasing Change will send out a free pack which will include information on local support services, a coffee voucher, Chasing Change merchandise and a ribbon to tie to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day. “Chasing Change will be running an online campaign during the week leading up to 10 September where personal stories, messages of hope and resources will be shared across social media channels.” To register for this event and to learn more about Chasing Change visit: facebook.com/chasingchangespn OR register through this link: https://bit.ly/3mluwGsn If you, or someone you care about, is in crisis and you think immediate action is needed, call 000, contact your doctor or mental health crisis service, or go to your local hospital emergency department. For access to crisis support and suicide prevention services, call Lifeline on 13 11 44.
Eyewear As Individual As You Are
MORNINGTON PENINSULA OWNED AND MADE FOR YOU ENERGY EFFICIENT HIGH PERFORMANCE QUALITY GERMAN DESIGN
CONTROL YOUR COMFORT with energy efficient uPVC windows and doors featuring aluplast-technology
YOUR PERFECT CHOICE Factory 1/ 7 Lyall Street, Hastings Phone: 5909 8040 or 0412 221 767 Email: contact@livingdesigndoubleglazing.com.au www.livingdesigndoubleglazing.com.au
Now stocking Paul Taylor Eyewear
MainStreet Eyecare
57 Main Street, Mornington
Mornington News
5975 3235 24 August 2021
PAGE 5