Wild Coast Raw Recalls Cat Food Over Bird Flu Infections

Wild Coast Raw has urgently recalled its chicken cat food after two Oregon cats were euthanized from bird flu infections linked to the raw pet food product.

At a Glance

  • Wild Coast Raw has recalled its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula cat food due to potential HPAI H5N1 bird flu contamination
  • The recall affects products distributed in Washington and Oregon with specific lot numbers and a December 25 Best Buy date
  • Two cats in Oregon were euthanized after consuming the contaminated raw pet food
  • Cats are particularly susceptible to severe illness from bird flu, often resulting in death
  • The company has transitioned to fully cooked poultry recipes to eliminate risk

Health Danger for Feline Friends

An Olympia, Washington-based pet food company has issued a voluntary recall of its raw chicken products for cats after tests confirmed contamination with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Wild Coast Raw’s Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula was linked to bird flu infections in domestic cats, leading to severe illness and death in at least two animals. The recall specifically targets products with lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, bearing a Best Buy date of December 25, distributed throughout Washington State and Oregon.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued stark warnings about the susceptibility of cats to this dangerous strain of bird flu. “Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death,” the AVMA stated. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals closely for symptoms including fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, eye and nose discharge, breathing difficulties, and neurological signs. Since 2022, more than 80 domestic cats have contracted bird flu across the United States.

Company Response and Preventive Actions

Wild Coast Raw has taken immediate action in response to the crisis, completely changing its manufacturing processes to prevent future contamination. “Effective immediately, we have transitioned to fully cooked poultry recipes to eliminate any potential risk. Cooking raw products to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses, including H5N1, according to the CDC,” Tyler Duncan of Wild Coast Raw said.

“The safety of our products and that of our customers’ beloved pets is always our top priority. We were devastated to learn of the passing of a beloved pet, and our hearts go out to the owner,” Duncan added.

The company is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the recalled products. Consumers are strongly advised not to feed, sell, or donate the recalled product and to dispose of it securely. For more information, pet owners can contact Wild Coast Raw at (360) 591-3543 or email [email protected] during business hours from 8am to 4pm PST.

Potential Human Health Concerns

While no human cases of bird flu connected to these products have been reported, health officials are monitoring the situation closely. The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, “One of the cats was euthanized due to the severity of the illness.” Public health authorities typically monitor individuals who have been exposed to infected animals for 10 days following exposure, watching for potential symptoms that could indicate human infection.

Medical experts emphasize that properly cooked poultry products remain safe for both humans and pets.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR