A Washington firm has recalled pet meals merchandise amid the continuing bird flu outbreaks.
On March 1, Wild Coast Uncooked of Olympia, Washington, has recalled its frozen Boneless Free Vary Hen Formulation uncooked pet meals for cats, in accordance with a March 1 announcement from the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product may doubtlessly include the extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, the assertion cautioned. Animals who eat contaminated meals can contract the virus.
NEW BIRD FLU STRAIN DETECTED ON POULTRY FARM AS EXPERTS MONITOR MUTATIONS
The recall impacts 16 oz. and 24 oz. sizes of the product. Lot numbers are listed on the FDA’s web site.
A Washington firm has recalled pet meals merchandise amid the continuing fowl flu outbreaks. (iStock)
The announcement comes days after the Washington State Division of Agriculture (WSDA) warned pet house owners that not less than two domestic, indoor cats have examined optimistic for the HPAI pressure of fowl flu.
“One of many cats was euthanized because of the severity of the sickness,” the WSDA said within the Feb. 26 announcement. “The second cat is being handled by a veterinarian.”
MINNESOTA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS DISEASES CRIPPLE MIDWESTERN FARMS
“This can be a tough state of affairs — we love our pets, and it’s devastating once they fall sick,” WSDA subject veterinarian Dr. Zac Turner stated. “In case your cat is exhibiting signs, seek the advice of a veterinarian as quickly as attainable.”
Pet house owners whose animals ate any of the recalled merchandise ought to monitor for any fowl flu signs, together with fever, lethargy, low urge for food, reddened or infected eyes, discharge from the eyes and nostril, difficulty breathing, and neurological indicators like tremors, stiff physique actions, seizure, lack of coordination or blindness, in accordance with the FDA’s announcement.
The announcement comes days after the Washington State Division of Agriculture warned pet house owners that not less than two home, indoor cats (not pictured) have examined optimistic for the HPAI pressure of fowl flu. (iStock)
Pets with these symptoms ought to be seen by a veterinarian.
“Cats have beforehand been seen to turn into contaminated with fowl flu by way of presumed contact with contaminated birds,” David J. Cennimo, MD, professor of infectious ailments at Rutgers New Jersey Medical Faculty, advised Fox Information Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Extra not too long ago, ingesting uncooked meals that was made with chickens or different birds that had been contaminated with avian influenza has resulted in cat infections. That is why uncooked meals poses some hazard and ought to be recalled if contaminated with avian influenza.”
There haven’t been circumstances reported of infections transmitted by cooked fowl merchandise, Cennimo famous, “so these stay protected for pets in addition to people.”
“Cats have beforehand been seen to turn into contaminated with fowl flu by way of presumed contact with contaminated birds.” (iStock)
There have been no experiences of people contracting fowl flu after dealing with uncooked pet meals, however there’s the potential for transmission if the virus enters the eyes, nostril or mouth, the FDA warned.
To stop this, the company recommends that individuals wash their fingers after dealing with the uncooked product and sanitizing contact surfaces reminiscent of counter tops, fridges, bowls or utensils.
“In case your cat is exhibiting signs, seek the advice of a veterinarian as quickly as attainable.”
“Individuals who dealt with contaminated merchandise ought to look ahead to signs of fowl flu, together with eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nostril, muscle/physique aches, complications, fatigue, fever, hassle respiratory, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting,” the FDA really useful.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Folks exhibiting these indicators after having contact with this product ought to contact their healthcare provider and native well being division.”
Consultants additionally suggest that pet house owners isolate sick animals and use correct precautions when caring for them.
Consultants suggest that pet house owners isolate sick animals and use correct precautions when caring for them. (iStock)
The WSDA advises towards feeding uncooked pet meals or uncooked milk to animals, its announcement said.
“Public well being screens all individuals uncovered to animals contaminated with HPAI by way of 10 days following their final publicity,” the company said.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Greater than 80 home cats have been confirmed to have contracted bird flu since 2022, in accordance with KFF Well being Information.
Fox Information Digital reached out to Wild Coast Uncooked requesting remark.