Cat Food Recall Alert: Bird Flu Outbreak Raises Concerns for Pet Owners
Hey everyone, I’ve got some urgent news for all cat owners out there. A second U.S. pet food company has issued a recall after several cats tested positive for bird flu—H5N1—due to contaminated raw food. This is a serious concern because the virus has been spreading, and now we’re seeing more cases linked to tainted pet food.
The latest recall comes from Wild Coast Raw , a company selling raw pet food. It all started when cats from different households in Oregon and Washington fell sick after eating the brand’s food. Some of these poor cats had to be euthanized due to severe illness, while others are still undergoing treatment. The scary part? Even after the recall was announced, more cases popped up, meaning some pet owners may still be feeding their cats this contaminated food without realizing it.
If you’ve been feeding your cat raw poultry, raw beef, or even raw milk , you should stop immediately. Experts warn that these products could be carrying the H5N1 virus, which can be deadly to cats. Since 2022, nearly 100 domestic cats in the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu, and it’s suspected that many more cases have gone unreported. Unlike humans, cats don’t always show typical flu symptoms. Some may just have a mild fever, while others could develop neurological issues or severe pneumonia.
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This outbreak has also raised concerns about whether cats can spread the virus to humans . While no cases have been confirmed, experts aren’t ruling out the possibility. In the past, a different strain of bird flu was transmitted from cats to humans in a New York City animal shelter , so the risk exists. That’s why officials are urging cat owners to take extra precautions, such as keeping their pets indoors, avoiding any exposure to wild birds or raw meat, and practicing good hygiene.
Veterinarians are also being advised to wear protective gear when handling suspected cases, and pet owners should contact their vet immediately if they notice any unusual symptoms in their cats. If you see a sick or dead stray cat , don’t touch it—call animal control instead.
At this point, the FDA and USDA are investigating how contaminated meat is making its way into pet food. While facilities processing food for humans are closely monitored, the same can’t always be said for pet food production. That’s a major issue, and officials are working to ensure stricter safety measures.
For now, the best thing you can do is avoid feeding raw food to your cats and stay updated on any new recalls. If you’re not sure whether your pet food is safe, check the latest updates from the CDC, USDA, and FDA . Your cat’s health is too important to take any risks! Stay safe, and if you have any concerns, reach out to your vet right away.
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