Raw Pet Food Recalled as FDA Issues Bird Flu Warning

Breaking News: Voluntary Recall of Wild Coast Raw Pet Food Due to Bird Flu Concerns

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of multiple lots of frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats, distributed by Wild Coast LLC, operating as Wild Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington. This recall was initiated after testing revealed potential contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The affected products were sold to pet food retailers in Washington State and Oregon. While Newsweek reached out to Wild Coast for comment, no response had been received as of Sunday. This recall underscores growing concerns about the transmission of bird flu through the pet food supply chain, raising important questions about public health and animal safety.

Why This Recall Matters: Understanding the Risks of Bird Flu Transmission

The contamination was discovered through testing conducted by state agriculture departments, which found the same H5N1 strain in both the affected pet food products and cats that had fallen ill. This represents a significant public health concern, as the H5N1 virus can spread to animals that consume contaminated products. While no human infections have been identified from handling these products, the risk of transmission remains a critical issue, particularly for pet owners who handle raw pet food. The recall highlights the need for greater vigilance in the production and distribution of raw pet food, as well as the importance of educating consumers about the potential risks associated with feeding raw meats to their pets.

What You Need to Know: Identifying the Recalled Products and Symptoms of Illness

The recalled products are packaged in small round white plastic containers with green labels and are identified by lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all with a Best Buy date of 12/25. The recall has since been expanded to include any raw materials sharing similar production dates and lot codes as #22660 and #22664, which were previously included in a Washington State Department of Agriculture public health alert issued on February 14. Pet owners should be vigilant in monitoring their cats for symptoms of illness, which may include fever, lethargy, inflamed eyes, respiratory difficulties, and neurological signs such as tremors and seizures. People who have handled the products should also watch for symptoms such as eye redness, cough, fever, and respiratory issues, and should take precautions to avoid infection.

How to Protect Your Cat from Bird Flu: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

In light of this recall, veterinarians have advised pet owners to avoid feeding their pets raw meat—especially poultry—or unpasteurized dairy products, as these can pose a risk of contamination. Cats should be kept indoors and away from potentially infected birds, livestock, and wildlife, especially in areas with known bird flu outbreaks. Additionally, pet owners should ensure that their felines’ rabies vaccinations are up to date, as this can help avoid confusion between rabies and other viral infections in the event of illness. Owners should also avoid handling dead birds if possible, and if they must do so, they should wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask. After handling livestock or poultry, owners should change their clothes and wash their hands thoroughly before interacting with their cats.

What Happens Next: Solutions and Support for Pet Owners

Wild Coast Raw and the Washington State Department of Agriculture continue to work together to address the source of the contamination and ensure that all affected products are removed from the market. Consumers are instructed not to sell, donate, or feed the recalled products to pets or other animals. Instead, the products should be securely discarded to prevent animals and wildlife from consuming them. Wild Coast Raw is offering full refunds through the original place of purchase and has established a contact line at (360) 591-3543 or email at info@wildcoastraw.com for consumers seeking additional information. The company is available to assist with inquiries between 8am-4pm PST. Pet owners who have purchased the recalled products are encouraged to reach out to Wild Coast Raw for support and to ensure that they are taking all necessary precautions to protect their pets.

Final Thoughts: Staying Vigilant in Pet Care

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the safety of pet food products and taking proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our pets. While the risks of bird flu transmission to humans are currently low, the potential for illness in pets is very real, and pet owners must remain vigilant in monitoring their animals for signs of infection. By following the guidelines outlined by veterinarians and regulatory agencies, pet owners can help minimize the risks associated with feeding raw pet food and keep their feline companions safe and healthy. As this situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for pet owners to stay up-to-date with the latest information and to take all necessary precautions to protect their pets from the risks posed by bird flu.