Cats Die After Bird Flu Exposure, Prompting Warnings About Pet Food

Cats Die After Bird Flu Exposure, Prompting Warnings About Pet Food

A warning has been issued about Wild Coast Raw pet food after two cats were euthanized due to bird flu exposure, raising concerns about pet safety and awareness.

Key Takeaways

  • The Oregon Department of Agriculture warned about the dangers of certain Wild Coast Raw pet food products after they tested positive for bird flu.
  • Symptoms in affected cats include severe illness due to consuming contaminated pet food.
  • Lot numbers #22660 and #22664 of the Chicken Feline Formula expiring in December 2025 are recalled, with customers being advised to dispose and request refunds.
  • California is experiencing a bird flu outbreak, prompting a state of emergency.
  • Raw pet foods have been linked to increased disease risks.

Issues with Wild Coast Raw Pet Food

The Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a warning following the deaths of two cats that were linked to Wild Coast Raw pet food. The cats were euthanized after consuming the food, which tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Wild Coast Pet Foods has suspended sales of their Chicken Feline Formula, specifically lots #22660 and #22664 set to expire in December 2025, advising customers to dispose of the product and seek refunds.

Tests confirmed the presence of HPAI in both affected cats and the pet food. Veterinarians are now advised to report any suspected cases of avian flu to authorities.

Bird Flu Concerns on the West Coast

According to a report from USA Today, Oregon health officials have been warning people away from giving their pets raw milk or undercooked meat due to concerns about bird flu. The Washington State Department of Agriculture issued a warning recently as well, highlighting the risks associated with certain Wild Coast Raw products.

California, where Wild Coast sources its chicken, is now grappling with a bird flu outbreak, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Though Wild Coast uses human-grade poultry inspected by the USDA, the outbreak has raised severe concerns. The raw pet food industry, valued at $3 billion in the U.S., faces scrutiny for its increased disease risks, as evidenced by the involvement of other brands like Monarch Raw Pet Food and Northwest Naturals in similar cases.

Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, who has reportedly been keeping track of the deaths of cats due to bird flu, suggested that the death rates appear to be higher than they used to be.

Despite warnings and recalls, the raw pet food sector continues to thrive. It’s important for pet owners to monitor pet food lot numbers in order to avoid products linked to infections.

Preventative Measures for Pet Owners

Cat owners are urged to check the lot numbers #22660 and #22664, and to prevent their cats from consuming raw or undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms of HPAI in pets encompass fever, lethargy, and respiratory or neurological signs.

Wild Coast founder Tyler Duncan has apologized for communication delays and committed to providing timely updates. While there have been no links to human infections from handling the pet food, caution remains advised, and pet owners encouraged to stay informed and take preventive steps.

Sources

  1. Raw pet food pulled after cats die with bird flu. Check these lots before feeding your pet
  2. WSDA and ODA identifies raw pet food as source of bird flu infections
  3. Raw pet food is recalled and warnings issued in two states after cats die of bird flu

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