Wild Coast Raw Pet Food Products Recalled Over Bird Flu

A recent recall of Wild Coast Raw pet food has put a spotlight on concerns about bird flu in cats, highlighting potential risks associated with raw pet diets.

Key Takeaways

Certain Wild Coast Raw pet food products have been recalled due to bird flu contamination, linked to cat deaths.
Two cats in Oregon were euthanized after consuming raw pet food contaminated with bird flu.
Raw pet foods are more likely to carry diseases, according to FDA studies.
Cat owners are urged to check lot numbers and dispose of affected products.
The human health risk is currently low, but precautions are advised.

Bird Flu Outbreak Leads to Pet Food Recall

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued a warning about Wild Coast Raw pet food after two cats were euthanized due to bird flu. The cats became severely ill after consuming Wild Coast Raw pet food, which tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This incident has prompted Wild Coast Pet Foods to halt sales of lot #22660 and #22664 of their Chicken Feline Formula with best by dates of December 2025, advising customers to dispose of the product and request refunds.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture also issued a public health notice regarding the risk associated with some Wild Coast Raw products. The affected cats lived in different households in Multnomah County, Oregon, but had consumed the same brand of raw pet food. Wild Coast’s products are primarily sold in Washington and Oregon, with plans to expand to California.

Raw Pet Food and Bird Flu Risks

Wild Coast sources its chicken from California and uses human-grade poultry inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, California is currently experiencing a bird flu outbreak, which led to Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency. This situation highlights the potential risks associated with raw pet foods, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration studies have found to be more likely to carry diseases.

Despite health warnings and recalls, the raw pet food industry is valued at $3 billion in the U.S. This incident is not unique to Wild Coast Raw; other pet food brands such as Monarch Raw Pet Food and Northwest Naturals have also been linked to bird flu cases in cats.

Raw pet food is recalled and warnings issued in two states after cats die of bird flu. https://t.co/IRytM93N2c

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 21, 2025

Impact on Cats and Other Pets

Domestic cats have been known to carry bird flu since 2004, but one expert has indicated the current death rates in the U.S. outbreak are significantly higher. Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, previously noted, “Before, about half of cats died, but now about 90% seem to be dying.” This alarming trend underscores the severity of the current outbreak.

Symptoms of H5N1 in pets include fever, low appetite, lethargy, eye inflammation, respiratory issues, and neurological signs. While domestic and wild cats are highly sensitive to bird flu, dogs typically show milder symptoms. The FDA notes that HPAI has not been detected in dogs in the U.S., but there have been fatal cases in other countries.

Precautions and Recommendations

Cat owners are urged to check lot numbers on Wild Coast, LLC products, specifically Lots #22660 and #22664 with a Best By Date of 12/2025. The Oregon Department of Agriculture advises against feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and allowing them to eat wild animals. Veterinary professionals are reminded to report suspected cases of avian influenza to the USDA and state officials.

While the human health risk is currently low, exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms and contact healthcare providers if needed. No human infections have been linked to handling the raw pet food, but precautions are advised. As the situation continues to evolve, pet owners are encouraged to stay informed and follow guidelines provided by health authorities to protect their pets and themselves from potential bird flu risks.