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A recall has been issued for certain raw pet food products in Oregon and Washington following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two cats that consumed the food.

The affected product, Wild Coast Pet Foods' Boneless Free Range Chcken Formula, has been linked to the fatal infections, prompting immediate action from health authorities.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed that the infected cats, which lived in separate households in Multnomah County, became severely ill after eating the same brand of raw pet food.

Testing revealed the presence of the bird flu virus in both the animals and unopened containers of the product.

As a precautionary measure, Wild Coast Pet Foods is recalling Lot #22660 and Lot #22664, both with a best-buy date of December 2025, USA Today said.

Pet owners who purchased the recalled product are urged to stop feeding it to their animals immediately and dispose of it safely.

Customers can also return the affected food for a full refund. Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, addressed the situation in a statement, advising concerned pet owners to either cook the chicken formula to 165 degrees, switch to a non-poultry formula, or opt for a gently cooked alternative.

The company, based in Olympia, Washington, primarily sources its poultry from California and ensures that it comes from USDA-inspected facilities.

Pet Owners Alerted as Raw Pet Food Recalls Continue

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), domestic cats are particularly vulnerable to HPAI, while dogs generally exhibit milder symptoms.

Previous research has shown that infected cats often contract the virus by consuming contaminated raw meat or unpasteurized milk.

According to CBS News, signs of infection in pets include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, and neurological symptoms such as tremors or seizures.

Pet owners who observe any of these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued recommendations to help prevent further cases.

Officials urge pet owners to avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat to their animals, prevent pets from consuming wild birds or animals, and practice proper hygiene after handling raw meat or interacting with livestock.

Additionally, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has issued a public health notice warning consumers about the risks associated with feeding raw pet food.

This is not the first time raw pet food has been linked to bird flu cases. In December 2024, Northwest Naturals recalled a batch of raw frozen pet food following the death of a cat infected with HPAI in Oregon.

Another recall was issued in California last month after Monarch Raw Pet Food tested positive for the virus and was suspected of sickening five cats.

Despite ongoing recalls and warnings from health authorities, the raw pet food industry continues to grow, with an estimated market value of $3 billion in the US The FDA has repeatedly cautioned against feeding raw diets to pets due to the increased risk of bacterial and viral contamination.

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Bird flu