Cat food recall issued due to bird flu contamination concerns
A US-based cat food brand has issued an urgent recall of their products following fears of bird flu contamination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Saturday that Wild Coast LLC dba Wild Coast Raw had recalled its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw cat food. This recall was initiated due to the potential contamination of the pet food with bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
The affected products were sold in 24-ounce or 16-ounce packaging and were available at pet food retailers in Oregon and Washington. The frozen cat food was packaged in small round white plastic containers with a green label. Consumers can identify the recalled cat food containers by the numbers 22660, 22653, 22641, 22639, 22672, and 22664, with a Best By date of December 25. Additionally, any raw materials sharing production dates and lot codes similar to 22660 and 22664 are also affected by the recall.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture discovered the presence of the H5N1 strain in the affected cats and products, prompting the recall. While no human infections have been reported, health officials warn that handling the contaminated raw product can pose a risk of infection if the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. The FDA advises pet owners who purchased the recalled cat food to monitor for bird flu symptoms in their pets, such as eye redness, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and muscle/body aches.
Wild Coast Raw has urged consumers to discard the recalled product immediately and refrain from feeding it to their pets. Customers can contact the store of purchase for a full refund. This recall follows a similar incident involving Northwest Naturals, a pet food company in Portland, which recalled their Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food in North America due to bird flu contamination. A cat that consumed the contaminated pet food died as a result.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has raised concerns about the impact of bird flu on cats, noting severe illness and potential transmission risks. While bird flu has led to the culling of millions of birds in the US and several human infections, health officials assert that the virus does not easily transmit between humans. The risk to humans remains low, with no evidence of widespread human-to-human transmission.
As the investigation into the bird flu contamination continues, pet food producers are urged to maintain strict quality control measures to ensure the safety of their products. Consumers are reminded to stay vigilant and follow recall notices to prevent any potential health risks to themselves and their pets. The collaboration between regulatory agencies, pet food manufacturers, and health authorities plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health during such incidents.
In conclusion, the recall of cat food due to bird flu contamination highlights the importance of food safety and vigilance in the pet food industry. Pet owners should stay informed about product recalls and take necessary precautions to protect their pets from potential health hazards. Vigilance and prompt action are essential in mitigating risks associated with foodborne illnesses and ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals.