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Raw Pet Food Recalled After Bird Flu Sickens, Then Kills Two Cats

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 20, 2025.

By India Edwards HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2025 -- Two indoor cats in Oregon were euthanized after contracting bird flu, leading to a recall of raw pet food sold in both Oregon and Washington, health officials have announced.

The cats were from separate households and had consumed the same Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula before falling ill.

Testing confirmed pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in the cats and unopened containers of the food, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) reported.

As a result, Wild Coast is recalling their Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula Lot #22660 and #22664 with a best-by date of December 2025.

"If you currently feed our chicken formula and are concerned, I recommend cooking until 165 degrees, replacing with a non-poultry formula or replacing with a gently cooked formula," Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, said in a statement.

Wild Coast's products are sold at retail stores throughout Oregon and Washington, the company noted.

Bird flu is especially dangerous for cats, which can get the virus from infected birds, raw meats or unpasteurized milk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dogs can also be infected but typically have mild symptoms and lower death rates.

So far, no cases have been reported in dogs in the U.S., though fatal cases have occurred in other countries, according to the FDA.

To keep your pets safe, the Oregon Department of Agriculture offers these recommendations:

• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, including freeze-dried pet foods.

• Do not feed raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum.

• Stop pets from eating wild birds or animals.

• Wash your hands after handling raw meat, birds or livestock.

• Change clothing and shoes after outdoor animal contact.

• Contact your vet if your pet shows symptoms of illness.

Pets with bird flu infections may show:

• Fever, lethargy, low appetite

• Eye redness, discharge from eyes or nose

• Difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors or blindness

If your pet ate the recalled food and shows these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately, the WSDA warned.

For people, the current health risk remains low, but watch for symptoms like eye redness, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, fever and nausea. Anyone exposed should contact their healthcare provider if symptoms appear.

This is not the first bird flu-related pet food recall. In December, Northwest Naturals recalled Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu in Oregon. That recall involved two-pound bags with best-by dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/26 B1.

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted February 2025

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