Pet Food Products Recalled After Cat Deaths Linked To Bird Flu

Two cats in Oregon died with bird flu after consuming Wild Coast Raw pet food, prompting a recall and warnings about the product.

Quick Takes

Two cats became sick with bird flu and died, which has led to a recall of certain Wild Coast Raw pet food products.
Wild Coast Raw has halted sales of specific lot numbers and advises customers to dispose of the products in question.
Raw pet foods are more likely to carry diseases, according to FDA studies.
Cat owners are urged to check lot numbers and watch for symptoms in their pets.
Human health risk is currently low, but precautions are advised.

Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw Pet Food

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued a warning about Wild Coast Raw pet food after two cats were euthanized due to bird flu. The cats became severely ill after consuming Wild Coast Raw pet food, which tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This incident has highlighted concerns about the safety of raw pet food and its potential to transmit dangerous diseases to household pets.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has also issued a public health notice regarding the risk associated with some Wild Coast Raw products. Wild Coast Pet Foods has halted sales of lot #22660 and #22664 of their Chicken Feline Formula with a best by date of December 2025 , advising customers to dispose of the product and request refunds.

Raw pet food is recalled and warnings issued in two states after cats die of bird flu. https://t.co/IRytM93N2c

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 21, 2025

Raw Pet Food Risks

Many pet owners choose raw diets for their animals. However, U.S. Food and Drug Administration studies indicate that raw pet foods are more likely to carry diseases, posing potential risks to both pets and their owners.

Wild Coast sources its chicken from California and uses human-grade poultry inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, California is currently experiencing a bird flu outbreak, leading to a state of emergency declared by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The outbreak has reportedly led to the deaths of millions of chickens and turkeys while infecting many dairy animals. This situation highlights the potential vulnerabilities in the raw pet food supply chain, even when using seemingly high-quality ingredients.

Heightened Risk for Cats

Domestic cats have been known to carry bird flu since 2004, but some have suggested the current outbreak in the U.S. is causing significantly higher death rates among affected cats. For instance, Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, has indicated that death rates among infected cats appear to have jumped to around 90%.

Cat owners are urged to check lot numbers on Wild Coast, LLC products, specifically Lots #22660 and #22664 with a Best By Date of 12/2025. Symptoms of H5N1 in pets include fever, low appetite, lethargy, eye inflammation, respiratory issues, and neurological signs. If these symptoms are observed, owners should seek immediate veterinary care.

Precautions and Recommendations

While no human infections have been linked to handling the raw pet food, precautions are advised. The Oregon Department of Agriculture recommends against feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and allowing them to eat wild animals. Veterinary professionals are reminded to report suspected cases of avian influenza to the USDA and state officials.

As the situation continues to develop, pet owners are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their animals. While the human health risk is currently low, exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms and contact healthcare providers if needed. The recent outbreak serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with raw pet food diets and the importance of proper food handling and preparation for both human and animal health.