Wild Coast Raw Announces Recall of Cat Food Following Bird Flu Detection
Wild Coast Raw, a pet food company based in Olympia, Washington, has issued a recall for specific lots of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats due to potential contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The virus can be transmitted to animals that consume contaminated food.
The affected products were distributed to pet food retailers in Washington and Oregon. Consumers can identify the recalled items by checking the sticker on the lid. The impacted lot numbers are #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all with a Best By date of 12/25.
The recall has been expanded to include any raw materials with production dates and lot codes matching #22660 and #22664, which were previously named in a public health alert by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Pet owners who have fed their cats the recalled food should monitor for symptoms of bird flu, such as fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, inflamed eyes, nasal or eye discharge, breathing difficulties, and neurological issues like tremors, seizures, or loss of coordination. If a pet displays these symptoms, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
There have been no reported human infections linked to handling the raw pet food. However, people can contract the virus if it enters their eyes, nose, or mouth. It is advised to wash hands after handling raw pet food and sanitize any surfaces, including countertops, bowls, and utensils. Individuals who have handled the recalled product should watch for symptoms such as eye irritation, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and respiratory issues. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after contact with the recalled food should consult a healthcare provider and notify their local health department.
The recall follows testing by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which confirmed the presence of H5N1 in affected cats and the corresponding pet food. Additional testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture further supported these findings. Wild Coast Raw is cooperating with health officials to address the issue.
Consumers should not sell, donate, or feed the recalled pet food to any animals. Instead, it should be discarded securely to prevent wildlife or other pets from consuming it. A full refund is available from the place of purchase. For more information, consumers can contact Wild Coast Raw at info@wildcoastraw.com or call (360) 591-3543 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST.
