Pet food manufacturer recalls batch due to bird flu contamination leading to cat fatalities; authorities issue alerts to pet owners
Heads Up: Cat Scare Fueled by Bird Flu Outbreak
Health officials in Oregon and Washington are raising alarm bells after discovering that two deceased indoor cats tested positive for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The cats, residing in different homes in Multnomah County, Oregon, contracted the disease following the ingestion of the same brand of raw pet food.
Samples of the contaminated food, including unopened containers, have also revealed traces of the virus. Consequently, cat owners have been warned to steer clear of this questionable brand. In fact, Wild Coast Pet Foods has issued a recall for their Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, Lot #22660 and #22664, with best-buy dates running through December 2025. If you still have the product, get rid of it immediately and reach out to your retailer for a refund.
Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast, strongly recommends either cooking the chicken formula to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, switching to a non-poultry formula, or opting for a gently cooked alternative.
The recall comes after Northwest Naturals' recall of a batch of pet food in December, following the demise of a cat in Oregon due to bird flu. Affected bags of Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food were sold in 12 US states and British Columbia, Canada.
Added concern arises from a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggesting that cat-to-human bird flu transmission may be more common than previously believed. Researchers looked into two separate Michigan households claiming the lives of indoor cats from bird flu last year, who were linked to dairy workers during a bird flu outbreak on farms.
So, cat owners must stay vigilant, heeding these precautions:
- Refrain from feeding raw or undercooked meat to your pet.
- Ensure your cat doesn't feed on birds or other wild animals.
- Practice meticulous hygiene by washing your hands after handling raw meat or coming into contact with animals outside your home.
- Change clothes and shoes after interacting with animals and before spending time with your pets at home.
- Consult your vet if you suspect your pet has been exposed to the virus or shows unusual symptoms.
Keep an eye out for signs such as fever, low appetite, inflamed or red eyes, discharge from eyes or nose, respiratory issues, tremors, or seizures. If you spot any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to bring your furry friend to the vet.
Stay informed, cat parents! Keep your feline friends safe by staying up-to-date on pet food recalls and following guidelines from trusted sources.
- The recent bird flu outbreak has led health officials to advise cat owners to avoid feeding raw pet food, especially brands like Wild Coast's Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, which has been recalled.
- Cats in different homes tested positive for avian influenza after consuming the same raw pet food, highlighting the potential danger of such products.
- To ensure the health and wellness of your pet, consider cooking pet foods, switching to non-poultry formulas, or opting for gently cooked alternatives instead of raw options.
- According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there may be a higher risk of cat-to-human bird flu transmission than previously believed, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper lifestyle and hygiene practices around pets.
- Regularly check for signs of illness in your cat, such as fever, low appetite, inflamed or red eyes, discharge from eyes or nose, respiratory issues, tremors, or seizures, and consult your veterinarian if you suspect any exposure to the virus or unusual symptoms.
