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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in a mysterious outbreak of illness.

The cause of the illness has been linked to jerky treats made in China. Most of the cases have been dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes, but cats have been sickened too after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. The reports have slowed, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking help from veterinarians and pet owners in help to solving the ongoing problem.

Officials have not been able to identify the contaminants that cause the illness in pets. FDA has sent requests to US veterinarians asking them to track and send detailed information about any animals sickened by jerky treats, including results of blood and urine tests.

Dr. Dawn, veterinarian of Dr. Dawn’s Pet Stop in Jamestown, says there haven’t been any cases that have come through her office that’s she knows of. Since the exact chemical hasn’t been identified, Dr. Dawn said it’s difficult to determine what is causing these illnesses.

Because there is no formal recall, brands cannot be named although a previous FDA analysis shows that three of the top selling brands of jerky treats sold in the US were mentioned in connection with the illness.