A pet food manufacturer based in Washington state has initiated a voluntary recall of its frozen raw cat food products over concerns of potential bird flu contamination. The affected items, distributed in Washington and Oregon, are being recalled as a precautionary measure following reports of the virus in pets. Consumers are advised to discard these products and monitor their pets for any signs of illness.

The decision to recall the Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula was made by Wild Coast, headquartered in Olympia, Washington. Announced on March 1st, this action came after two feline cases tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in February. This strain of bird flu can be transmitted to animals through contaminated food. Specific lot numbers involved include #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, with a best buy date extending to December 2025.

Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast, expressed deep concern over the safety of both the company's offerings and the cherished pets of customers. He highlighted that one pet had unfortunately succumbed to the illness. "We are heartbroken about this loss and want to ensure that no other families experience such sorrow," Duncan stated in an official communication.

In light of these developments, the Washington State Department of Agriculture had previously issued warnings regarding the presence of the virus in unopened containers of pet food manufactured by Wild Coast. The FDA advises pet owners to watch for symptoms like fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, eye and nasal discharge, respiratory issues, and neurological problems. If these signs appear, immediate veterinary consultation is recommended.

To safeguard public health, it is important to note that while there have been no instances of human infection from handling raw pet food, precautions remain crucial. Proper hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing and cleaning surfaces that come into contact with raw food, should be strictly followed. Authorities emphasize the importance of staying vigilant to prevent the spread of this potentially dangerous virus.