A jerky treats recall has not yet occurred despite nearly 6000 pets having died.

The jerky treats also sickened another 3,600 pets, who consumed the treats made in China and sold by U.S. companies.

The jerky treats recall has not been put into effect by the FDA, who has also not isolated the cause of the illness. It has primarily affected dogs, but ten cats have also been sickened. The animals consumed chicken, duck, and sweet potato jerky treats.

The FDA announced that they are seeking assistance in their ongoing attempt to determine what toxin is causing the deaths of the pets. They are requesting that veterinarians and pet owners send in information about the animals' illness when first diagnosed.

"To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses," Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. "Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs."

Pet owners are furious that the FDA has not yet issued a recall for the jerky treats.

"I am disgusted that our government continues to protect corporate American and China," Robin Pierre of Pine Bush, N.Y said.

In 2007, Pierre lost her previously healthy 2-year-old pug named Bella after the puppy at Waggin' Train chicken jerky treats.

"They need to start protecting the American consumer so that this does not happen again," Pierre added. "As soon as a product is in doubt, a warning label should be placed at the point of sale so that consumers can make an educated choice."

There have been two voluntary recalls over the jerky treats.

In January Nestle Purina PetCare's issued a voluntary "withdrawal" of its Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch products., Del Monte Corp also recalled its Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats.

Pets continue to die from the China-made jerky treats, with about 80 deaths and 400 illnesses this year alone. Some blame the deaths on antibiotic residue, but the FDA has said that it is "highly unlikely" that the dogs' deaths were caused by Chinese antibiotics.

Nestle Purina spokesman Keith Schopp said that "There is no indication that the trace amounts of antibiotic residue is related to FDA's ongoing investigation."

"Due to regulatory inconsistencies among countries, the presence of antibiotic residue is technically considered an adulteration in the United States," Schopp added.

The FDA has not banned the pet treats, simply issued a warning, along with multiple reminders to consumers that such pet snacks are not necessary for a balanced diet.