Raw Pet Food Recalled After Bird Flu Sickens and Kills Two Cats in Oregon

Two domestic cats in Oregon were euthanized after contracting avian influenza (H5N1), prompting the recall of certain raw pet foods sold in Oregon and Washington. Health authorities have issued alerts to prevent further infections.

Incident and Product Recall

The affected cats, living in separate households in Multnomah County, developed severe symptoms after consuming raw pet food from the brand Wild Coast Pet Foods. Tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in both the cats and the food samples, specifically in batches #22660 and #22664 of the "Free-Range Chicken Formula", with an expiration date of December 2025. As a result, the company has recalled these batches. 

Recommendations for Pet Owners

Avian influenza is especially dangerous for cats, as they can become infected by consuming contaminated birds, raw meat, or unpasteurized milk. To protect pets, experts recommend:

• Avoid feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, including freeze-dried foods.
• Do not provide unpasteurized milk or colostrum.
• Prevent pets from hunting or consuming wild birds.

If a pet has consumed raw food and shows symptoms such as fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, or neurological signs, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. 

Actions Taken by Authorities and Companies

In addition to the Wild Coast Pet Foods recall, other companies have taken similar actions. Northwest Naturals recently recalled its "Feline Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen" after a cat died from consuming a product contaminated with avian influenza. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged pet food companies to strengthen their safety controls to prevent H5N1 contamination. Manufacturers are advised to include avian influenza as a potential risk in their food safety plans. 

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of ensuring pet food safety and keeping pet owners informed about the risks associated with raw food diets. Collaboration between health authorities, companies, and consumers is essential to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and protect the health of both pets and their families.