Cat owners across the Pacific Northwest are being warned to check their pet food supply as Wild Coast Raw issues an urgent recall for its chicken cat food amid deadly bird flu concerns.
At a Glance
- Wild Coast Raw has recalled its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats due to potential H5N1 bird flu contamination
- The recall affects products sold in Washington and Oregon with specific lot numbers and a Best Buy date of 12/25
- Two cats in Oregon were euthanized after consuming contaminated raw pet food
- The company has transitioned to fully cooked poultry recipes to eliminate risks
- Experts warn that cats are particularly susceptible to severe illness from bird flu
Health Alert Following Cat Deaths
The Washington-based pet food manufacturer Wild Coast Raw has issued a voluntary recall of its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats after confirming contamination with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The recall comes after two cats in Oregon were euthanized following consumption of the contaminated raw pet food, prompting a public health alert on February 14.
The recall specifically targets products distributed in Washington State and Oregon with lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all carrying a Best Buy date of 12/25. Pet owners who have purchased these products are urged to stop using them immediately and to dispose of them securely to prevent further exposure.
Company Takes Immediate Action
Following confirmation that its raw chicken product was linked to cat illnesses, Wild Coast Raw has implemented significant changes to its production methods. Tyler Duncan of Wild Coast Raw has emphasized the company’s commitment to pet safety and expressed sympathy for affected pet owners.
“Effective immediately, we have transitioned to fully cooked poultry recipes to eliminate any potential risk. Cooking raw products to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses, including H5N1, according to the CDC,” Duncan said.
The company is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the recalled products and has established a contact line at (360) 591-3543 for consumers with questions. Representatives are available from 8am to 4pm PST, or customers can email [email protected].
RECALL ALERT – Wild Coast Raw is recalling lots of frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats because it has the potential to be contaminated with HPAI H5N1, also known as bird flu. MORE: https://t.co/249zyBVWW3 pic.twitter.com/xo6OvMggtA
— AVMA Recall Watch (@AVMARecallWatch) March 3, 2025
Understanding the Risk to Pets and Humans
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has issued strong warnings about the susceptibility of cats to bird flu. “Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death,” the AVMA stated.
Pet owners should be vigilant for symptoms including fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, eye and nose discharge, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs such as seizures or lack of coordination. Any cat showing these symptoms should be isolated from other animals and receive immediate veterinary attention.
“More recently, ingesting raw food that was made with chickens or other birds that were infected with avian influenza has resulted in cat infections. This is why raw food poses some danger and should be recalled if contaminated with avian influenza,” David J. Cennimo, MD said.
Growing Concern About Bird Flu Spread
The recall highlights growing concerns about the spread of avian influenza, with over 80 domestic cats having contracted bird flu since 2022. Health officials emphasize that while the risk of cat-to-human transmission remains low, it could increase with prolonged exposure to infected animals.
Experts recommend that pet owners avoid feeding raw pet food entirely, particularly for cats. Cooked pet foods are considered safe as the cooking process destroys the virus. Public health officials monitor individuals exposed to infected animals for 10 days post-exposure as a precautionary measure.
For many American families who consider their pets as family members, this recall serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of food safety—not just for humans, but for our four-legged companions as well. With proper precautions and vigilance, pet owners can help protect their beloved animals from this concerning health threat.
