Wild Coast Raw Recalls Chicken Pet Food Due to Bird Flu Risk

Wild Coast LLC, operating as Wild Coast Raw, has issued a recall of specific lots of its 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 recall applies to 16oz and 24oz frozen products distributed to pet food retailers in Washington State and Oregon.

The recalled items are packaged in small round white plastic containers with green labels and can be identified by lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all with a Best Buy date of 12/25. The recall also covers any raw material with similar production dates and lot codes as #22660 and #22664, which were part of a prior health alert from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) on February 14.

Pets exposed to the recalled food may exhibit symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, respiratory issues, and neurological signs such as tremors or seizures. Pet owners noticing these signs should consult a veterinarian. While no human cases related to this recall have been reported, human infection is possible if the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. Those handling the product should take precautions, including washing hands thoroughly and sanitizing surfaces. Symptoms in humans can include eye irritation, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Individuals showing signs of illness after handling the product should seek medical attention.

The recall was prompted after the Oregon Department of Agriculture found the H5N1 strain in affected cats and the associated pet food. Additional testing by the WSDA confirmed these findings. Wild Coast Raw and the WSDA are collaborating to identify and address the contamination source. Consumers are advised not to sell, donate, or feed the recalled products to pets or other animals. The company recommends securely discarding the product to prevent wildlife or other animals from consuming it. Refunds are available through the original place of purchase. For more information, consumers can contact Wild Coast Raw via email at info@wildcoastraw.com or by phone at (360) 591-3543 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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