Urgent Cat Food Recall: Potential Bird Flu Contamination – What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know

A pet food company in Washington state is recalling its chicken formula due to potential bird flu contamination. This is the third such recall related to the H5N1 virus, also known as avian influenza, within the last four months.

The affected product is Wild Coast Raw’s frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, sold in 16oz and 24oz sizes. If you have products with these code numbers on the lid, dispose of them immediately:

• #22660
• #22653
• #22641
• #22639
• #22672
• #22664

Other raw items from Wild Coast Raw that carry the codes #22660 and #22664 are also included in the recall. After discarding the products, the company advises returning to the store for a refund.

In response to the situation, Wild Coast has switched to fully cooked poultry recipes to avoid any risks. Cooking to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit effectively kills harmful bacteria and viruses, including H5N1. These new recipes will be available starting next week.

This recall follows a previous one in December when Northwest Naturals pulled its raw turkey pet food after a cat’s death linked to bird flu. Around the same time, Los Angeles County warned pet owners to avoid Monarch Raw Pet Food after detecting the virus in their samples.

As bird flu spreads among birds and livestock, cat owners are particularly concerned. Cats have a higher risk of severe illness from the virus compared to dogs. It’s important to keep your feline friends safe.

How Can Cats Contract Bird Flu?

Bird flu spreads through the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected animals. Feeding cats raw food can increase their risk of exposure. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats are more likely to catch the virus than dogs. Pets that go outside could also get infected if they come into contact with sick birds.

Experts suggest cooking cat food properly to kill any potential viruses. For example, poultry should reach a safe cooking temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keeping Your Cat Safe

To minimize risk, keep your cats indoors. This reduces their chances of encountering infected wildlife. Many veterinarians also advise against feeding pets a raw diet due to safety concerns, and currently, there is no vaccine available for cats against bird flu.

Signs of Bird Flu in Cats

Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, inflamed eyes, and discharge. In severe cases, neurological signs like circling or seizures might occur. If you suspect your cat has bird flu, contact your veterinarian right away.

The likelihood of transmitting bird flu from raw pet food to humans is low, but it’s still important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any raw products. Following safety protocols can help protect your family and your pets.

For more information on bird flu symptoms in humans, the CDC provides resources on mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis, cough, and fever.

Source link