Wild Coast LLC, doing business as Wild Coast Raw of Olympia, Washington, has issued a recall of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw cat food after tests detected the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as bird flu.
The recall comes after the Oregon Department of Agriculture identified the same H5N1 strain in cats that had consumed the product. The Washington State Department of Agriculture also confirmed the contamination. Several indoor-only cats in multiple states have fallen ill, and some have died after being fed raw pet food or unpasteurized milk.
The affected product includes 16-ounce and 24-ounce frozen containers of Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula cat food. The food is packaged in small, white plastic containers with green labels and distributed to pet food retailers in Washington and Oregon. Identifying lot numbers include #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all with a best-by date of 12/25. The recall also extends to other raw materials produced around the same time as lots #22660 and #22664, which were part of a public health alert issued on February 14.
Symptoms of bird flu in pets include fever, low energy, poor appetite, red or inflamed eyes, nasal and eye discharge, breathing issues, and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, or loss of coordination. Pet owners who observe any of these symptoms after feeding their animals this product should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Although no human infections linked to this recall have been reported, health officials warn that people can catch the virus if it enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. Anyone handling raw pet food should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize all surfaces, including countertops, bowls, and utensils.
People exposed to contaminated food should monitor for symptoms such as eye irritation, cough, sore throat, fever, body aches, breathing difficulties, or gastrointestinal issues. If symptoms occur, individuals should contact their healthcare provider and local health department promptly.
Consumers are advised not to sell, donate, or feed the recalled products to any animals. The products should be securely discarded to prevent contact with pets or wildlife.
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