Washington Company Recalls Pet Food Amid Bird Flu Outbreak, Highlighting Risks of Raw Diets
A Washington-based pet food company, Wild Coast Raw, has initiated a recall of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats, responding to concerns that the product may be contaminated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially announced the recall on March 1, emphasizing the potential danger to animals consuming the contaminated food. The recall underscores the risks associated with feeding pets raw food, particularly in light of ongoing bird flu outbreaks across the country.
The affected products include the 16 oz. and 24 oz. sizes of Wild Coast Raw’s Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, with specific lot numbers detailed on the FDA’s website. Pet owners who have purchased this product are strongly advised to check the lot numbers and immediately discontinue feeding it to their cats.
The recall follows a recent warning from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) regarding the detection of the HPAI strain of bird flu in at least two domestic, indoor cats. This alarming discovery prompted immediate action and heightened concerns about the potential for widespread infection among pets. One of the infected cats was tragically euthanized due to the severity of the illness, while the second cat is currently receiving veterinary treatment.
"This is a difficult situation – we love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill," stated WSDA field veterinarian Dr. Zac Turner. He urged pet owners to consult a veterinarian promptly if their cats exhibit any symptoms suggestive of bird flu.
The FDA’s announcement outlines specific symptoms pet owners should monitor in their animals after consuming the recalled product. These symptoms include fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs such as tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness. The presence of any of these symptoms warrants immediate veterinary attention.
According to Dr. David J. Cennimo, professor of infectious diseases at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, cats can become infected with bird flu through various routes. While contact with infected birds has been a historically recognized mode of transmission, recent cases highlight the danger of ingesting raw food made with chickens or other birds infected with avian influenza. Dr. Cennimo emphasized that this is why raw food can pose a significant risk and necessitates recalls when contamination with avian influenza is suspected or confirmed.
In contrast to raw products, cooked bird products have not been associated with bird flu transmission in pets or humans. Dr. Cennimo affirmed that cooked poultry remains safe for consumption by both animals and people.
While no cases of humans contracting bird flu after handling raw pet food have been reported to date, the FDA cautions that the potential for transmission exists if the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. To mitigate this risk, the agency recommends rigorous hygiene practices when handling raw pet food. These include thorough handwashing after handling the product and sanitizing all contact surfaces, such as countertops, refrigerators, bowls, and utensils.
The FDA also advises individuals who have handled contaminated products to monitor themselves for symptoms of bird flu. These symptoms may include eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. Anyone exhibiting these signs after contact with the recalled pet food should seek medical attention from their healthcare provider and contact their local health department.
Health experts further recommend isolating sick animals and adhering to strict precautions when providing care to prevent potential spread of the virus. The WSDA strongly advises against feeding raw pet food or raw milk to animals, reinforcing the inherent risks associated with these products.
The WSDA’s announcement also notes that public health officials are actively monitoring all individuals exposed to animals infected with HPAI for a period of 10 days following their last exposure, ensuring early detection and intervention if necessary.
According to KFF Health News, more than 80 domestic cats have been confirmed to have contracted bird flu since 2022, underscoring the increasing prevalence of the virus and its potential impact on pet populations.
The recall of Wild Coast Raw’s pet food and the detection of bird flu in domestic cats highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and awareness of potential health risks. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about emerging health threats, adhere to recommended safety guidelines, and consult with their veterinarians regarding appropriate dietary choices and preventative measures.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with feeding pets raw food, particularly in the context of ongoing bird flu outbreaks. While some pet owners may believe that raw diets offer certain health benefits, the risks of bacterial contamination, parasitic infection, and viral transmission cannot be ignored. The availability of commercially prepared, cooked pet food options provides a safer and more reliable alternative for ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved animal companions.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Wild Coast Raw for comment, seeking further information and clarification regarding the recall and the company’s response to the situation.
