In the wake of the outbreak among nearly 39,000 dogs and cats having been infected by melamine contamination in pet foods, causing permanent illness and death to pets around the country, now there is another need for concern to pet owners. Salmonella contamination has been found in pet chews made by American Bullie (A.B.).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning all consumers to safely discard of any A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews. These products may potentially be contaminated with Salmonella

According to the latest reports released Monday by one of the nation's largest chains of veterinary hospitals, nearly 39,000 cats and dogs were sickened or killed nationwide following the recent reports of pet food-contamination with an industrial chemical.

The data, which was released by Banfield, The Pet Hospital, was reportedly compiled from records collected by its more than 615 veterinary hospitals. The report concluded that three out of every 10,000 cats and dogs that consumed the pet food contaminated with melamine developed kidney failure

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday warned consumers not to use American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews as it is possibly infected with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats.

The FDA also warned that if there is cross contamination, in people, especially children, the elderly and people with weaker immune systems will be the first to be affected

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday that rat poison found in pet food is the possible cause of the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs in some countries.

The toxin, which is identified as aminopterin, is used to kill rats in some countries but is not registered for that use in the United States. However, the officials from the manufacturer Menu Foods, which recalled the food some time ago, say it is still not able to find out how it got into the pet foods

The FDA announced the voluntary recall of several brands of pet foods for both dogs and cats made by Menu Foods Inc.

The recall affects all of the "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat foods (both in cans and pouches) that were made at Menu Food's location in Emporia, Kansas. These private-label pet foods were produced by the manufacturer between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007, and they were sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico