Two Cats Contract Bird Flu from Raw Cat Food: Recall Issued

In a concerning turn of events, two cats from different households in Oregon have fallen victim to bird flu. Their symptoms were severe enough to warrant euthanization. Recent tests by state and federal laboratories confirmed that the virus was transmitted through a specific brand of raw cat food.

Samples taken from both cats and open containers of their pet food by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) revealed that Wild Coast Raw, a brand of raw cat food, was contaminated with bird flu. Subsequent testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) found that even unopened containers were infected. This led to a recall of the affected product.

Recalled Lots

The WSDA has recalled two specific lots of Wild Coast Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula: lot number 22660 and 22664. If your cat’s food is labeled with these lot numbers and a best-by date of December 2025, you should dispose of it immediately. The lot number and best-by date are found on a sticker on the lid.

Protecting Your Cat

While only these specific lots are confirmed to be contaminated, veterinarians are cautioning against feeding raw food to pets due to the increased presence of bird flu. Last month, five cats in Los Angeles contracted H5N1 from Monarch Raw Pet Food. Furthermore, a cat in Oregon succumbed to bird flu from a frozen raw pet food by Northwest Naturals in December. As H5N1 continues to spread, these incidents highlight the risks associated with raw diets.

According to Dr. Ryan Scholz, the state veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, “Raw food always poses a risk, not just for this virus, but for any pathogen that can pass through the meat into the animals.” Cooking or pasteurization is designed to eliminate these pathogens, making raw food an unnecessary risk.

Beyond raw food, cats should avoid unpasteurized milk, which has also been linked to avian influenza. Additionally, both pets and people should minimize contact with wild birds. Some veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors to prevent exposure to potential threats.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats

Recognizing the signs of bird flu in cats is crucial for timely veterinary intervention. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, poor appetite, red or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, breathing difficulties, and neurological issues such as tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness. If your cat exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the current public health risk from bird flu is low, with no human infections linked to contaminated pet food so far. However, precautions are advised. Pet owners should wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw food and sanitize any surfaces the food has come into contact with. If you develop symptoms of bird flu, including cough, body aches, fever, and nausea, after handling contaminated products, consult a healthcare provider.

Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your pets from bird flu. By being vigilant and following safety guidelines, you can help ensure your feline companions remain healthy.