Pet Food Recall Issued Due to Bird Flu Concerns as Experts Advise Caution

A pet food manufacturer in Washington state has initiated a recall of its products in light of recent bird flu outbreaks. The announcement was made on March 1 by Wild Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington.

The company has recalled its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food specifically designed for cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised that this product may contain the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus. Pets that consume contaminated food could be at risk of contracting the virus.

Details of the Recall

The recall includes 16-ounce and 24-ounce packages of the affected product. Lot numbers for the recalled items are available on the FDA’s website, ensuring transparency for consumers.

This recall follows troubling news from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which reported that at least two domestic indoor cats have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu. In an announcement made on February 26, the department revealed that one cat was euthanized due to the severity of its illness, while the other is currently under veterinary care.

Experts Stress the Importance of Monitoring Pet Health

Dr. Zac Turner, a field veterinarian with WSDA, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “We love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill. If your cat is exhibiting any symptoms, please consult a veterinarian without delay.”

Pet owners who may have given their animals the recalled products are advised to be vigilant about any signs of bird flu. Symptoms to watch for include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, respiratory difficulties, and neurological signs such as tremors or lack of coordination.

Understanding the Risks

David J. Cennimo, an infectious diseases expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, highlighted that cats can contract bird flu through contact with infected birds or by consuming raw food from infected poultry. While no cases have been reported involving cooked bird products, the ongoing threat from raw food remains a crucial concern.

According to Cennimo, “Cats have been seen to become infected through presumed contact with infected birds. More recently, they have contracted the virus from ingesting raw food made from poultry that was infected with avian influenza. This raises the risk and underscores the importance of recalling contaminated raw food products.”

The FDA also informed the public that, as of now, there are no documented cases of humans contracting bird flu through contact with raw pet food. However, they warned that transmission may occur if the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth after handling such products.

Precautionary Steps for Pet Owners

To reduce the risk of transmission, the FDA recommends that pet owners wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food and sanitize all surfaces that may have come into contact with it, including countertops, bowls, and utensils.

In light of the situation, individuals who have handled potentially contaminated products should remain vigilant for symptoms of bird flu. Symptoms include redness or irritation of the eyes, respiratory issues, fever, and gastrointestinal discomfort. If any symptoms develop, seeking medical advice promptly is essential.

Isolate Sick Pets and Follow Health Guidelines

Experts strongly advise pet owners to isolate cats showing symptoms of illness and to exercise caution while caring for them. The WSDA has specifically cautioned against feeding raw pet food or raw milk to any household animals.

Public health authorities are actively monitoring individuals who have been exposed to animals infected with the HPAI virus. This monitoring continues for ten days following the last known exposure to the infected animal.

Ongoing Situation

According to KFF Health News, over 80 domestic cats have confirmed cases of bird flu since 2022. The current landscape emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive health measures among pet owners.

Fox News Digital attempted to contact Wild Coast Raw for further commentary on the situation.

In a time where pet owners cherish their furry companions, maintaining awareness about the potential threats posed by avian influenza is crucial. As experts continue to monitor the situation, the priority remains the health and safety of both pets and their owners.