Bird flu contamination fears spark recall of raw cat food: Here’s what pet owners need to know

America has been dealing with a bird flu outbreak for some time, and now fears over possible contamination in cat food have led to a recall. Here’s what to know about the recall of cat food linked to possible bird flu contamination.

What’s happened?

On March 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice relating to certain products sold by Wild Coast LLC (dba Wild Coast Raw) of Olympia, Washington. The recalled products are raw pet food for cats. The reason? The products may be contaminated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, better known as bird flu.

The bird flu virus can live in manufactured products, including pet food that has been made with contaminated birds. 

The notice posted on the FDA’s website expands on a mid-February public health alert from the Washington State Department of Agriculture warning that it found the presence of HPAI in multiple cats and the same cat food they consumed. That cat food was Wild Coast LLC – Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula with lot numbers #22660 and #22664 and the Best By Date 12/2025, according to the notice.

However, the notice posted on the FDA’s website on March 1 widens the list of products that could be affected. That notice is about a voluntary recall initiated by Wild Coast LLC.

What cat food products are included in the recall?

According to the recall notice posted on the FDA website, Wild Coast LLC’s voluntary recall covers the following:

• Brand name: Wild Coast Raw
• Product Description: Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats product.
• Best Buy date: 12/25
• Lid numbers: #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672 and #22664

Images of the product packaging can be found here and here.

The notice posted on the FDA’s website says that owners who have had the recalled pet food in their possession should remain alert for symptoms of bird flu in both their pets and other people. 

What are the symptoms of bird flu in pets?

According to the notice on the FDA’s website, symptoms of the bird flu in pets include:

• fever
• lethargy
• low appetite
• reddened or inflamed eyes
• discharge from the eyes and nose
• difficulty breathing
• tremors
• stiff body movements
• seizure
• lack of coordination
• blindness

The notice states that you should contact a veterinarian if you observe these symptoms in your pets.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in people?

According to the notice posted on the FDA’s website, symptoms of bird flu in humans include:

• eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis)
• cough
• sore throat
• sneezing
• runny/stuffy nose
• muscle/body aches
• headaches
• fatigue
• fever
• trouble breathing
• seizures
• rash
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

People who experience symptoms are urged to contact their local health department and healthcare provider.

What do I do if I have the recalled product?

You should not serve it to your pets or any other animal. Also, do not donate or sell the recalled products. Instead, you should securely dispose of it in a way so no animals, including wildlife, can consume it.

You are also urged to wash your hands and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces the product or its packaging have come into contact with.

Those with questions can contact Wild Coast Raw at (360) 591-3543 or email them at info@wildcoastraw.com.

View the full article