Protect your furry friends: Is your pet's food contaminated with a deadly disease?
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As pet parents, we do everything we can to keep our beloved companions safe and healthy.
From regular vet visits to choosing the best food, their well-being is always a top priority.
But what if something we believe is good for them is actually putting them at risk?
A recent warning from the Oregon Department of Agriculture has raised serious concerns about raw pet food.
Certain lots of a pet food have been linked to fatal cases of bird flu in cats, highlighting the potential dangers of raw diets.
If your pet eats raw food, here’s what you need to know to keep them safe.
Two households are mourning the loss of their beloved cats after they contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza from contaminated raw food.
These heartbreaking cases have shed light on the risks of feeding pets raw meat.
The implicated product, Wild Coast Raw's Chicken Feline Formula, has been recalled, with lot numbers #22660 and #22664 specifically identified as unsafe.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has echoed these concerns, warning that feeding pets undercooked or raw meat—or even unpasteurized milk—can expose them to dangerous pathogens.
These bacteria and viruses can cause severe illness and, in some cases, be fatal.
Wild Coast Pet Foods founder Tyler Duncan has halted sales of the affected products and urged pet owners to discard any contaminated food.
To reduce risk, he advises either cooking the chicken formula to an internal temperature of 165°F, switching to a non-poultry formula, or choosing a gently cooked alternative. Customers can receive a full refund from their place of purchase.
The company, which sources human-grade poultry from USDA-inspected facilities, is now working with third-party labs to screen for bird flu in its products.
Raw pet food diets have surged in popularity, turning into a $3 billion industry in the US. However, the FDA has repeatedly warned that raw pet foods are significantly more likely to carry harmful bacteria and viruses.
The recent bird flu outbreak has already devastated poultry populations and even impacted dairy herds, prompting California to declare a state of emergency.
This isn’t the first warning about contaminated raw pet food. Los Angeles County health officials have previously cautioned against Monarch Raw Pet Food, and Northwest Naturals recently recalled a product after a cat’s death was linked to bird flu.
Cats have been susceptible to bird flu since 2004, but this outbreak has raised alarming concerns.
Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, notes that while past cases had about a 50% mortality rate in cats, this current strain appears to have a staggering 90% mortality rate.
As a member of The GrayVine community, you know the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your loved ones—including your pets. Here’s how to keep them safe:
Ensuring our pets' safety starts with staying informed and making mindful choices about their diet. By staying vigilant, following expert recommendations, and considering safer alternatives, we can help protect our furry friends from harm.
Related articles:
Protect your feline friends: the alarming discovery in popular cat food brands
Avoid bird flu fears: Get the eggs experts say you should be buying now!
Have you ever had concerns about raw pet food? What steps do you take to keep your pets safe? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your insight could help fellow pet owners make informed decisions and keep their furry friends healthy.
Read next: Shopper discovers hidden message near Dollar Tree’s Coca-Cola display—what you need to know now!
From regular vet visits to choosing the best food, their well-being is always a top priority.
But what if something we believe is good for them is actually putting them at risk?
A recent warning from the Oregon Department of Agriculture has raised serious concerns about raw pet food.
Certain lots of a pet food have been linked to fatal cases of bird flu in cats, highlighting the potential dangers of raw diets.
If your pet eats raw food, here’s what you need to know to keep them safe.
Check the lot numbers on your pet’s raw food to ensure their safety—take action now to protect your furry friend. Image Source: Pexels / Angelina Zhang.
The dangers lurking in the bowl
Two households are mourning the loss of their beloved cats after they contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza from contaminated raw food.
These heartbreaking cases have shed light on the risks of feeding pets raw meat.
The implicated product, Wild Coast Raw's Chicken Feline Formula, has been recalled, with lot numbers #22660 and #22664 specifically identified as unsafe.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has echoed these concerns, warning that feeding pets undercooked or raw meat—or even unpasteurized milk—can expose them to dangerous pathogens.
These bacteria and viruses can cause severe illness and, in some cases, be fatal.
Taking action for safety
Wild Coast Pet Foods founder Tyler Duncan has halted sales of the affected products and urged pet owners to discard any contaminated food.
To reduce risk, he advises either cooking the chicken formula to an internal temperature of 165°F, switching to a non-poultry formula, or choosing a gently cooked alternative. Customers can receive a full refund from their place of purchase.
The company, which sources human-grade poultry from USDA-inspected facilities, is now working with third-party labs to screen for bird flu in its products.
Ensure your pet's safety by checking the lot numbers on Wild Coast Raw Chicken Feline Formula—affected products have been linked to bird flu. Image Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Also read: New update: This treatment shows promising potential in protecting against bird flu
A growing concern
Raw pet food diets have surged in popularity, turning into a $3 billion industry in the US. However, the FDA has repeatedly warned that raw pet foods are significantly more likely to carry harmful bacteria and viruses.
The recent bird flu outbreak has already devastated poultry populations and even impacted dairy herds, prompting California to declare a state of emergency.
This isn’t the first warning about contaminated raw pet food. Los Angeles County health officials have previously cautioned against Monarch Raw Pet Food, and Northwest Naturals recently recalled a product after a cat’s death was linked to bird flu.
Understanding the risks
Cats have been susceptible to bird flu since 2004, but this outbreak has raised alarming concerns.
Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, notes that while past cases had about a 50% mortality rate in cats, this current strain appears to have a staggering 90% mortality rate.
Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, urges customers to take precautionary measures and dispose of the affected products in the company's statement. Image Source: Wild Coast.
What you can do
As a member of The GrayVine community, you know the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your loved ones—including your pets. Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Check your pet’s food – If you feed your pet raw food, review the lot numbers, especially if you purchase Wild Coast Raw products.
- Dispose of dangerous products – If you have food from the affected lots, throw it away immediately and request a refund.
- Consider safer alternatives – Look into high-quality cooked diets or reputable commercial pet foods that reduce the risk of contamination.
- Stay informed – Keep up with recalls and health advisories from agriculture and health departments.
Ensuring our pets' safety starts with staying informed and making mindful choices about their diet. By staying vigilant, following expert recommendations, and considering safer alternatives, we can help protect our furry friends from harm.
Related articles:
Protect your feline friends: the alarming discovery in popular cat food brands
Avoid bird flu fears: Get the eggs experts say you should be buying now!
Have you ever had concerns about raw pet food? What steps do you take to keep your pets safe? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your insight could help fellow pet owners make informed decisions and keep their furry friends healthy.
Read next: Shopper discovers hidden message near Dollar Tree’s Coca-Cola display—what you need to know now!
