Heads Up: Raw Pet Food Linked to Deadly Bird Flu in Cats

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have issued a critical warning to pet owners regarding the risks associated with raw pet food, especially for cats. Recently, several indoor cats in Oregon were diagnosed with a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza known as HPAI.

Following consultations with veterinarians, the owners of these infected cats decided on humane euthanasia due to the severity of the illness. An investigation by the ODA revealed that all affected cats had consumed the same brand of raw pet food, manufactured by Wild Coast, LLC, prior to falling ill.

After collecting and testing samples from the sick cats and the raw pet food containers, both the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratories and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food products.

Health Advisory for Cat Owners

In response to these findings, both the ODA and WSDA have released a public health notice. The WSDA also conducted additional tests on unopened containers of the affected food product. Both agencies are strongly advising cat owners to check their Wild Coast, LLC products for the specific lot numbers listed below:

• Wild Coast LLC – Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula Photos: Lot #22660 and Lot #22664, Best By Date 12/2025

Statement from Wild Coast Pet Foods

Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, addressed the situation in an organizational statement: “We are writing to you regarding a developing situation concerning H5N1 and the affected cats in the Portland area. On February 7th, [WSDA] notified us of a house cat that tested positive for H5N1, with a potential link to our food. Open containers from the household were tested and came back as non-negative and negative.”

Duncan continued, noting a non-negative test indicates an indeterminate result that requires further investigation. He explained that after purchasing additional sealed samples from the same lot code, one sample (Lot #22664) came back non-negative, while the rest were negative.

Symptoms to Watch For

Cats infected with H5N1 may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Reddened or inflamed eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Neurological signs such as blindness, incoordination, seizures, or tremors

Pet owners who notice these symptoms in cats that have consumed Wild Coast LLC’s product should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Risk for Humans

So far, there have been no reported human infections from handling raw pet food products. However, transmission is possible through contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. Thorough hand washing is crucial after handling pet food or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of H5N1 in humans include:

• Eye redness or irritation
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Body/muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you suspect you have come into contact with H5N1, contact your healthcare provider and monitor for symptoms.

Responsibility for Veterinary Professionals

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health. Veterinary professionals should promptly report any suspected cases of HPAI in birds or H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA and their state animal health officials.

Reports after regular business hours or on weekends should be directed to the USDA foreign animal disease hotline at 866-536-7593.

Moving Forward

Tyler Duncan concluded his statement by apologizing for any delay in information sharing, vowing to keep its customers informed about the evolving situation: “I sincerely apologize and deeply regret not conveying this information to you sooner. Moving forward, I am committed to keeping you promptly informed on the situation and will be updating our website as the information becomes available.”

Protect Your Pets

Protect your furry friends by checking the labels on raw pet food products, paying close attention to lot numbers and best-by dates. If your cat exhibits any symptoms of illness or if you have any concerns, consult with a veterinarian promptly.

Stay updated on the latest health advisories to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your pets.

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