Bird flu leads to pet food recalls

A Washington-based company, Wild Coast Raw, has issued a voluntary recall of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats due to potential contamination with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on March 1, affecting 16 oz. and 24 oz. sizes of the product. Customers are advised to check the lot numbers listed on the FDA’s website to determine if they have purchased the affected products.

This recall comes in the wake of a warning from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) that two domestic, indoor cats have tested positive for the HPAI strain of bird flu. Sadly, one of the cats had to be euthanized due to the severity of the illness, while the other is currently under veterinary care. Dr. Zac Turner, a field veterinarian with the WSDA, urged pet owners to seek veterinary assistance if their cats exhibit any symptoms of bird flu.

Symptoms of bird flu in pets include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, red or inflamed eyes, nasal and eye discharge, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness. If a pet shows any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled raw pet food, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

According to experts, cats can become infected with bird flu through contact with infected birds or by ingesting raw food made from contaminated poultry. While there have been no reported cases of humans contracting bird flu from handling raw pet food, precautions should still be taken to prevent potential transmission. This includes washing hands after handling the product and sanitizing surfaces that may have come into contact with it.

The FDA also advises individuals who have handled contaminated products to watch for symptoms of bird flu, such as eye irritation, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fever, and respiratory issues. If any of these symptoms develop after exposure to the recalled pet food, individuals should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.

In light of these recent developments, pet owners are encouraged to refrain from feeding raw pet food or raw milk to their animals. It is also essential to isolate sick pets and take necessary precautions when caring for them to prevent the spread of the virus.

Public health officials are closely monitoring individuals who have been exposed to animals infected with HPAI to ensure timely intervention and prevent further transmission. For more information on health-related topics, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

With over 80 domestic cats confirmed to have contracted bird flu in 2022, it is crucial for pet owners to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their furry companions. Wild Coast Raw has been contacted for comment on the recall, but no response has been received at the time of writing.

For more health news and updates, stay tuned to Fox News Digital. Melissa Rudy, the senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team, can be reached at melissa.rudy@fox.com for story tips and inquiries.