Recall Issued for Raw Pet Food Linked to Cat Deaths from Bird Flu

Health officials have announced a recall of raw pet food after two indoor cats in Oregon were euthanized due to complications arising from bird flu. The affected cats, which belonged to different households, had consumed the same product: Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula.

Testing conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the cats, as well as in unopened containers of the implicated food. Consequently, Wild Coast is recalling specific lots of their Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, identified as Lot #22660 and Lot #22664, with a best-by date of December 2025.

In response to the recall, Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, recommended that concerned pet owners either cook the chicken formula to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or switch to a non-poultry or gently cooked formula. The recalled products are distributed in various retail outlets across Oregon and Washington.

Bird flu poses a significant risk to cats, who can contract the virus through interactions with infected birds, consumption of raw meats, or unpasteurized milk, as noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While dogs can also become infected, they typically exhibit milder symptoms and have a lower mortality rate. Currently, no dog cases related to the bird flu have been reported in the United States, although fatal instances have been documented in other countries.

To ensure the safety of pets, the Oregon Department of Agriculture advises pet owners to:

• Avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat, including freeze-dried pet food.
• Refrain from giving raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum.
• Prevent pets from consuming wild birds or animals.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat, birds, or livestock.
• Change clothes and shoes following outdoor contact with animals.
• Consult a veterinarian if any signs of illness appear in pets.

Symptoms of bird flu in pets may include:

• Fever and lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Eye redness or discharge from the eyes and nose
• Breathing difficulties, seizures, tremors, or blindness

If a pet has ingested the recalled food and shows any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary consultation is strongly recommended.

Although the risk to humans remains low, the FDA advises monitoring for symptoms such as eye redness, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Individuals who have been exposed and develop symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

This recall is not an isolated incident. In December, another recall was issued by Northwest Naturals for a Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after a cat in Oregon succumbed to bird flu. That recall involved two-pound bags with best-by dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/26 B1.

For more details on safeguarding pets against bird flu, resources are available through the American Veterinary Medical Association.