Bird Flu in Raw Pet Food Claims Lives of Two Cats, Sparking Urgent Recall

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 Bird Flu in Raw Pet Food Claims Lives of Two Cats, Sparking Urgent Recall






A seemingly routine choice in pet food turned tragic this week when two indoor cats in Oregon lost their lives to bird flu, triggering immediate action from pet food manufacturers and health officials.

The cats, living in different homes but linked by one common factor – Wild Coast Raw's Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula – fell ill and had to be euthanized. Lab results showed that the cats and unopened food packages tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), better known as bird flu.

Wild Coast didn't waste time. They've pulled their Chicken Formula from shelves across Oregon and Washington, specifically targeting Lot #22660 and #22664, which have best-by dates in December 2025. Tyler Duncan, the company's founder, provided practical advice for worried pet owners: cook the food until it reaches 165 degrees or switch to non-poultry options.

This news is particularly hard for cat owners. Our feline friends face unique risks from bird flu, which can sneak into their systems through infected birds, raw meat, or unpasteurized milk. While dogs can catch it, too, they typically shake it off with milder symptoms.

Keeping your pets safe isn't complicated, but it requires vigilance. The Oregon Department of Agriculture recommends removing raw or undercooked meat (including those trendy freeze-dried foods), saying no to raw milk, and keeping pets from becoming amateur wildlife hunters. Basic hygiene helps, too—wash your hands after handling raw meat, and maybe don't wear your barn boots into the house.

Watch for warning signs in your pets: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, red eyes, runny nose, breathing troubles, or neurological symptoms like seizures. If your pet has been nibbling on the recalled food and starts acting up, don't wait—call your vet.

The risk remains low for humans, but it's wise to stay alert. If you experience red eyes, coughing, a sore throat, aches, fatigue, fever, or nausea after exposure, it's time to call the doctor.

This isn't the first time bird flu has impacted pet foods. Two months ago, Northwest Naturals had to recall their Feline Turkey Recipe after another Oregon cat died. That recall covered two-pound bags marked with best-by dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/26 B1.


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