Columbia River Natural Pet Foods is recalling Cow Pie Fresh Frozen Meats for Dogs and Cats because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The company is recalling 933 packages that were produced in August 2017. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Cow Pie is a fresh frozen meats product that is intended to feed raw to dogs and cats. The pet food was distributed in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington through retail stores and direct delivery. The product is frozen in 2 pound purple and white plastic bags, with Lot 81917 found on an orange sticker.
Routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture found the pathogenic bacteria in one package of the product.
There is a risk to both pets and humans with this recalled product. Pets can get sick with Listeria monocytogenes infections, and they can become carriers or pass the bacteria on to humans.
Pets usually get mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, depression, muscular and respiratory distress, and death. Infected animals can shed the bacteria through their feces onto their coats and then infect the home environment. People can get sick if they pet the animal and then touch their mouths or eat something without washing their hands first. If your pet has been sick, see your vet.
The symptoms of listeriosis in people include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, diarrhea, and nausea. These symptoms can appear up to 70 days after infection. Pregnant women are usually the most seriously affected, and can suffer miscarriage and stillbirth if they contract this infection.
If you purchased this pet food, do not feed it to your pet. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil and put it in a secure garbage can. You can also take it back to the store for a refund.
