bird food recall

from the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 18, 2013 – Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California is recalling the following items with lot codes; Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 2lbs, (#2840081), Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840090), Vitae Small Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840225), Vitae Small Hookbill 20lbs, (#2840234), Vitae Hookbill with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840252), Vitae Large Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840279) shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

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 this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. “Vitae bird food was distributed through Southern California retail pet stores.

The bags in question are packaged in a factory sealed plastic bag or a white bulk bag for the 20# size.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was the result of a routine testing performed by Specialty Commodities, which revealed that the finished products, which include parsley that is on recall from Specialty Commodities, contain Salmonella. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

If you still have any bags on hand, please return them immediately to the place of purchase or Merit Bird Company for a full refund.

Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information (e.g., consumers) who have purchased Vitae Bird Food are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-818-727-1655. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Pacific Standard Time.

Image from http://www.wpclipart.com

Four EU countries have begun banning bee killing poisons, and some bee populations are already recovering. Days ago the official European food safety watchdog stated for the first time that certain pesticides are fatally harming bees.

Now legal experts and European politicians are calling for an immediate ban. But, Bayer and other giant pesticide producers are lobbying hard to keep them on the market. If we build a huge swarm of public outrage now, we can push the European Commission to put our health and our environment before the profit of a few.

Do you think these petitions are a bunch of bull? According to Avaaz, your voices do count! Last year, their 1.2 million strong petition forced U.S. authorities to open a formal consultation on pesticides — now if they reach 2 million, they can persuade the EU to get rid of these crazy poisons and pave the way for a ban worldwide.

Sign the urgent petition and share this with everyone — Avaaz  will deliver the message ahead of this week’s key meeting in Brussels.

The petition surpassed its signatures target first 2 million and now the target is 2,500,000. They are very close. If you believe in the cause, please consider passing it on.

Avaaz is a global web movement to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere.

Maybe we can get Avaaz to ban pet food from China next?

Adopt us

January is Adopt-A-Rescued-Bird Month. Bird ownership requires dedication.  Some birds can live to be 60 – 80 years old while smaller birds have shorter life spans. Owners are still encouraged to research the bird they hope to provide a home for in order to make certain that they are prepared for the special needs of their new  feathered friend.

Here are three doves who really need a great home.

Pearl, Lacey and Rex have been socialized their entire lives and never flinch at being handled. Their little dove laughs are always a hoot! If you could give these docile darlings a lifetime of proper care, please ask to meet these feathered friends at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Pearl – #743472 – 8 Years Old – Female
Lacey  – #743585 – 8 Years Old – Female
Rex – #743586 – 8 Years Old – Male

Check out this dove page to learn about what doves need for care.

bird food recall

from the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2012 – On September 27, 2012, Premium Nutritional Products, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of ZuPreem FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods for medium/large birds and for large birds with use by date codes of 11/30/13 or 11/13 and lot numbers 598405052 or 598405072. The recall is being conducted due to the product containing the combination of exceedingly high calcium levels, low phosphorus, and high vitamin D concentration resulting in a significant health risk to the birds. Consumption of food from these particular lots may make birds sick and, in some cases, may be fatal. Symptoms include decreased activity level or appetite, increase in water consumption or watery droppings. Customers whose birds exhibit these symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.

The two voluntarily recalled lots are 598405052 and 598405072. The lot and expiration dates by sku, are listed here

The products were shipped by the company between the dates of 5/21/12 and 8/23/12 for distribution nationwide through pet retailers, veterinary clinics, on line pet supply merchants and to breeders, and zoological parks.

Consistent with this voluntary recall, the company is reminding bird owners to check the expiration dates and lot numbers of any product they may still have in their possession. Consumers should dispose of any remaining food and return the packaging to the store where they purchased it for replacement or refund.

The issue was discovered as a result of product testing,

For additional information, interested parties should contact the ZuPreem Customer Service line at 1-800-345-4767 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Central Time) or visit the ZuPreem website.

Lost parrot in Oro Valley

(for some reason I am unable to save the photo as an image. It’s a green parrot)

From the sad owner of the lost parrot:

“A Quaker Parrot named Itza was in his cage on the porch and somehow managed to open the top of the cage and fly away. He is used to being around humans and will be looking to find his way back but don’t know if he can.  (Oracle Road/Hardy Dr. area)

He is like a family member as I have had him for 10 years. The cat Alex tried to tell me what happened. He kept meowing and meowing and I couldn’t figure out what he wanted. Soon after that I went to the porch to see how Itza was doing and had the shock of my life! His cage was empty. He does not know how to fend for himself and I am so sad for him to be out there, especially in AZ cause these birds are not native to the desert.

Please send prayers and please send energy out to him, to help him find his way back to his cage on my porch. After I saw that he was gone I opened the top of the cage so that if he comes back he can fly back into his cage. It is a top opening cage where you open the two top pieces and put a perch in between to keep it open. When he is inside the house he sits on top of the cage all the time but he loves being on the porch and usually sings up a storm when he is out there. Since the weather is not as hot as its been, I put him out more often now. I never thought he could open the top cause he is so small and I imagined that it weighed too much for him to lift up and fly out.

I will be very grateful for your prayers. Thanks so much! There is a reward for the safe return of Itza.”

Allarah LaVelle (520) 742-6393

Meet Fred Cockatoo

Pets available at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Fred – #735019 – 28 Years Old – Moluccan Cockatoo – Male

Meet Fred, a boisterous bird with personality galore. Surrendered to the HSSA when he started attacking the young children in the family, Fred is now in need of an avian-experienced owner prepared to commit to a lifetime of patience, love and care. Although he’s a little standoffish at first, Fred bonds closely with people who take the time to earn his trust. Offer him a gentle head rub and Fred will waltz over to you with his head down, his beak softly clacking and his gorgeous pink feathers all fluffed up. Whoever ends up with this guy will have a real sweetheart, but they may also have to invest in a lot of earplugs! A typical cockatoo, Fred requires plenty of daily attention and enrichment. But he’s is gaga for toys, cardboard boxes, popcorn and vegetables. If you are interested in sharing your life with this intelligent, animated special companion and are aware of the serious responsibility, please visit Fred today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Buddy looking to be your buddy

Buddy – #723596 – 1 Year Old – Shepherd Mix – Male

Buddy had a horrendous start to life, confined for most of his first year to a tool shed. But enough of that! Buddy would prefer to focus on his bright future. This fun-loving bundle of cheer is now letting loose and kicking up his heels with trusted friends. He greatly enjoys palling around with the other dogs and showering his caregivers in unconditional love. All in all, Buddy would make a terrific sidekick. He sure hopes you’re looking for one of those! If you’re interested in meeting this very special boy, please visit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and ask for Buddy.

Update on the HSSA participating in the ASPCA Challenge
During August, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona found homes for 674 dogs and cats. As of today, they  have had 1,058 adoptions! For the rest of September, their Pay the Date promotion will determine the price of all mixed-breed, adult dogs over 25 pounds and adult cats. Each day of the month will be the set adoption price of each dog or cat. Also, Scott Lehman of Premier Auto Center is sponsoring all mixed-breed kitten, puppy, cat and dog adoptions this Saturday Sept. 22  from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all locations.

You can read about the ASPCA Challenge here and what wonderful prize the HSSA will receive if they win. Austin, TX is a past winner. Let’s keep it in the Southwest!

Brown Canyon Lodging - bat educ weekend

Raise your bat IQ education during this October 8 & 9 weekend workshop hosted by FOBANWR or Friends of Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. The weekend will be led by FOBANWR member Stephen H. Buck, PhD, and featuring Ronnie Sidner, PhD, of Tucson, one the premiere bat biologists in the Southwest.

Sidner’s PhD is in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona, and she currently manages her own environmental consulting company. She is an adjunct faculty member at the U A and a member of numerous scientific organizations, including the prestigious Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science. Dr. Sidner has been working with Arizona bats for nearly 30 years. She has been called upon to study some major local environmental issues affecting bats and other mammals, including bat diseases, urban development, military activity at Fort Huachuca, designation of new protected lands, the border virtual fence, use of forest habitat by illegal immigrants, and the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine. She continues long-term monitoring to determine changing resource use by bats, especially the endangered Lesser Long-Nosed Bat in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

Along with three luscious meals, participants will be able to leisurely enjoy the nature and beauty of Brown Canyon while learning some fascinating facts about bats from Dr. Sidner’s library of books, papers, video clips, photographs, and bat-call sound recordings. And the pièce de résistance on Saturday night is using the high-tech assortment of night-vision devices, ultra-sound detectors, and special cameras to experience the mystery of bat night-time activity.

Registration for this weekend event is required. The overnight workshop cost is $95 for FOBANWR members and $105 for non-members. price includes lodging in Brown Canyon Education Center Lodge (pictured) and three catered meals (dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday). Overnight workshop runs from Saturday at 1 p.m. to approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday.

To learn more about the program’s times and places, check out this page .

From there, you may link to registration page .
You can e-mail fobanwr@gmail.com or call 520-405-5665.

(Photo is courtesy of FOBANWR)

Photo courtesy Tucson Wildlife Center

Tucson pet events: art show, bird watching, wild birds, yappy hour, shopping, wine, dog wash

Now through Sept 30 – Animal Art Show
The Dogs Day of Summer Animal Art Show is happening at DECO where a portion of artwork sales benefits the Humane Society of So. Ariz. DECO is located at 2612 E. Broadway Blvd, 319-0888

Now through August 21 – Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival
Check out EcoTucson blog for what’s happening for four glorious bird watching days.

August 19 – National Homeless Animal Day
Check out the previous Tucson Tails blog post about how you can help Tucson’s homeless animals this Friday.

Saturday & Sunday – August 20 & 21 – Wild Bird Store
The Wild Bird Store is hosting a grand reopening at their new location, 3160 E. Ft. Lowell. During those two days, numerous bird-related experts and non-profit organizations will be on hand to educate the community about bird watching and wildlife rescue. A sampling includes bat biologist, wildlife rehabilitation, color pencil bird artist, birder tour leader, gourd birdhouse maker, hummingbird rescue, and more.

On Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. meet the Tucson Wildlife Center. Find out about their rescue, rehab, and release program. Meet Bubba, the great horned owl. Buy one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets made with donated beads (presented by Beading Divas to the Rescue). All bracelet sales benefit TWC.

Thursday – August 25 – Yappy Hour at La Cocina
This sounds like fun. Enjoy it all – your canine, your cocktail (or coffee drink) and live music at downtown’s best secret courtyard. Guitar virtuoso Stefan George kicks it off at 5 p.m. and English bluesman Tom Walbank plays from 7 – 9 p.m. Plus homemade dog biscuits for your hound. Sounds promising…

Saturday – August 27 – Macy’s Shop for a Cause
Macy’s Shop for a Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $38 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. Shop for a Cause gives you the opportunity to shop, give back to your community, and to help HOPE Animal Shelter. Purchase a $5 shopping pass for exclusive savings in every Macy’s store and online at macys.com. HOPE keeps 100% of the proceeds for every $5 shopping pass sold. Also you are entered in a drawing to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card. You can download your shopping pass here.

Sunday – Aug 28 – Wine Tasting/Cuddles & Catnips
Join Casa de los Gatos and friends for a wine tasting fundraiser at CataVinos Wine Shoppe, 3063 N. Alvernon Way from 4 to 6 p.m. Sample six wines and snacks for $20 ($10 tax deductible). A silent auction and raffle basket rounds out the fun.

Saturday – September 17 – Dog Wash
Save the date. This is a fundraiser for Arizona Greyhound Rescue. Volunteers are needed to wash and dry all breeds of dogs, trim nails, help with check-in or at the merchandise table. Early birds can help with setup and for people who like to sleep in, you can help with tear down. This is a good activity for teens 16+ and strong active people.

Please send your pet related events and fundraisers to tucson.tails@yahoo.com. Thank you

Rubie - the rescued dog

Tucson animal events in March & April: yappy, horses, pet therapy info, birds and bats

Yappy Hour
Friday, March 25 – 5 to 9 p.m.
Unleash the party animal within at the Yappy Hour at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Your pets are welcome too! Yappy Hour celebrates a weekend of adoption specials, which start at 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, and runs through Sunday. Receive a discounted or free adoption on dogs and cats. Bring canned paté-style dog and cat food to be entered in a raffle for pet goodies.

Pet psychic Kat Riegel will be available for animal readings in the evening with donations going to HSSA. A pet photographer will also be available to take your furry friend’s picture. Refreshments and snacks provided. At Yappy Hour everyone goes home happy!

HEART of Tucson – 2nd Anniversary BBQ
March 26 – 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Previously I wrote about HEART of Tucson and how they are rehabilitating abandoned and abused horses found wandering in our harsh desert. If you want to consider getting involved in their efforts, then attend the 2nd Anniversary BBQ potluck held this Saturday at Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road, Ramada #3. BYO side dish & beverage (nothing alcoholic) and the BBQ entree will be provided. R.S.V.P. 520-445-1510. Bring your friends and family and find out how to help the horses.

Wonderful World of Bats
As the world’s only flying mammals, bats eat tons of mosquitoes, some prey on scorpions, and others drink nectar. Bats play very important roles in the environment, but their lives are shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding.
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 11 a.m. – noon
Where: Miller Golf-Links Library, 9640 E. Golf Links Road
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up; for more information, contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov; reservations not required.

Volunteering with Your Pet – Information Sessions
Saturday, April 2 – 10 to 11:15 a.m.
OR
Wednesday, April 20 – 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Learn how you and your pet (dog, cat, rabbit, or other domesticated species) might qualify to cheer up patients in hospitals, bring joy to seniors in assisted-living centers, help children learn to read, and much more. This is a great session to gain a better understanding of all that is involved with becoming part of the Loving Angel Paws volunteer group as a Delta Society Pet Partners therapy animal team. Meet and talk to current volunteers. Humans only invited to the informational sessions.
Place: Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Cost: FREE
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. RSVP to TherapyPetsAZ@gmail.com.

Tucson Mountain Park Birding Walk
Join birding expert John Higgins, for a guided bird walk in Tucson Mountain Park. Spot canyon towhees, rufous-winged sparrows, Gila woodpeckers, and other birds of the desert.
Date: Saturday, April 2
Time: 8 to 10 a.m.
Where: Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area, 1548 S. Kinney Road; on Kinney 1.5 miles south of Gates Pass Road or 3.8 miles north of Ajo Way
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up
For more information, contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov; reservations not required.

Wake Up with the Birds
Desert meets water at this unique crossroads for migratory and resident birds. Spot wetland birds, hummingbirds, songbirds and raptors nestled among the mesquites and palm trees. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own.
Date: Every Thursday in April
Time: 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information, contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov; reservations not required

Click here to read more Tucson pet events happening in March and April.

Please send your pet photos and animal events to tucson.tails@yahoo.com

(Rubie was rescued from a San Diego animal shelter. According to Rachel Burda, “She is the best dog we could’ve asked for.”)