Esbilac Problems with Wildlife

The recent change PetAg has made to using a single-step spray drying process for the Esbilac® powder appears to have resulted in more gastrointestinal problems than normal. Some wildlife rehabilitators have reported successful results with the new product, while others have not. If you have noticed unexplained GI problems (soft stool or diarrhea), you may want to read the updates below. As we learn more about this issue, we will continue to add additional updates. We suggest you read the updates listed below in chronological order. Simply click on the title to view.

PetAg has also reported rancidity issues with KMR®. See the updates below, including interviews with PetAg and national distributors.

If you are NOT a rehabilitator, please read this.

There are many requirements to care for orphaned or injured wildlife besides formula. Please take injured or orphaned wildlife to a wildlife rehabilitator. Contact veterinarians, humane societies, or wildlife agencies for the name of a local wildlife rehabilitator.

The information below is intended only for trained wildlife rehabilitators who have current state-issued wildlife rehabilitation permits and licenses.

Esbilac Update (Sept 3, 2009) Click to view

PetAg, the manufacturer of Esbilac® Milk Replacer for Puppies, changed the manufacturing process for the Esbilac® in December, 2008.

Some wildlife rehabilitators who use Esbilac® powder as the base formula for orphaned wild mammals, such as squirrels and opossums, have reported serious problems after using the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder with new lot codes (provided). Other rehabilitators report that their wild orphans on the same Esbilac formulas are healthy.

This update describes how rehabilitators have tried to identify the cause of the diarrhea that developed after using the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder and how to correct the problem.

Initial research into possible causes revealed that the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder weighed 7% less and was lower in energy (kcals) and some nutrients. Charts are provided.

Some rehabilitators who reported gastrointestinal problems with their juvenile wild mammals after feeding formula made with the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder saw immediate improvements after feeding different formula products.

Articles on common causes of stool problems in squirrels are posted.

Esbilac Update (Sept 23, 2009) Click to view

The ‘new’ Esbilac® weighs less and seems to have inadequate amounts of energy (kcals) and some nutrients required to meet the minimum needs of some juvenile wild mammals.

Some rehabilitators report seeing positive results using the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder, particularly after adjusting the recipe to increase fats.

Other rehabilitators share that their juvenile squirrels and opossums are not improving after adding more fats to the formula made with the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder or even switching to a new milk replacement product. Some of these juvenile squirrels and opossums, which stay at an extremely low weight for their age, linger and then die.

Information on formula recipe changes, deciding on how to adjust formula, and evaluating formula recipes is discussed.

Cream now is included in the Nutrition Calculator. A short article about selecting cream for formulas is available.

A draft flow chart on the progression of formula problems and changes, and a chart on possible causes and solutions are offered for reflection.

An increasing number of rehabilitators and veterinarians are conducting tests on the wildlife that have fallen ill after eating formula made with the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder in hopes of finding answers.

Esbilac Update (October 15, 2009) Click to view

Rehabilitators using the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder continue to report mixed results, even after adding additional fats to make the product more similar to the Esbilac® powder manufactured prior to December, 2008.

Possible causes for the gastrointestinal problems of squirrels after being fed formula made with the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder are described, including inadequate nutrition and infections.

Results of several culture sensitivity tests and necropsies from animals that had health problems after being fed formula made with the ‘new’ Esbilac® powder are summarized. The tests have shown high levels of antibiotic resistant E.coli and Klebsiella p. Since these bacteria may be contagious, rehabilitators need exercise caution to prevent transmission to animals and people.

Preliminary results of Esbilac® powder vary depending on labs and types of tests. More tests are in process.

PetAg posted announcement on its website reinforcing that Esbilac® is made to meet the nutritional needs of puppies. They say to use Zoologic® Milk Matrix for wildlife (instead of Esbilac®).

PetAg posted an announcement on its website that KMR®, their milk replacer for kittens, has had some problems develop. They tell customers to not use the product if it has a ‘bad odor.’

Several recommendations are provided.

KMR Update (December 28, 2009) Click to view

Sunny Aris of 575 Magazine, an online news publication, conducted an interview with PetAg President titled “KMR: Smell it First” about potential problems and action steps.

Ms. Aris then interviewed an executive from PetSense, one of the pet supply companies that distributes PetAg products. PetSense has removed cans of KMR® powder with a lot number with some reported problems from shelves in their 31 stores.

Rehabilitators are encouraged to listen to both short interviews at http://www.575magazine.com/animals/1209/kmrsmellitfirst.html.

PetAg’s website now describes storage considerations and asks anyone noticing an ‘off smell or color’ with their milk replacers to contact them. Those with concerns about PetAg milk replacers should certainly contact them.

Since distributors of PetAg products may be becoming more involved, some people with concerns about KMR® and Esbilac® also may wish to contact the distributors about replacements or testing products.

Test Results update (March 7, 2010) Click to view

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