A cat food product has been recalled due to potential bird flu contamination that resulted in one pet death. The Washington-based pet food company, Wild Coast Raw, decided to issue a voluntary recall for its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, a raw cat food, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 1. The recall was initiated because of the risk of contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.
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According to Wild Coast founder Tyler Duncan, the recalled product with Lot #22660 is the only one currently associated with illness in cats. The company took this step after confirming that one pet had died from consuming the contaminated product. The recall is particularly significant amidst ongoing bird flu outbreaks affecting poultry and cows in the United States.
The Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, distributed in 16 oz. and 24 oz. sizes to retailers in Washington and Oregon, has multiple affected lots, including #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22660, and #22664, all with a best buy date of December 2025. With Lot #22660 linked to illness in cats, Wild Coast decided to expand the recall to cover potentially impacted products to ensure consumer safety.
Consumers are advised to look out for symptoms of bird flu in their pets, such as fever, lethargy, low appetite, inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs, among others, if they suspect their animals have consumed the recalled product. The FDA recommends immediate veterinary consultation in such cases and urges owners to discard any remaining product to prevent further harm to their pets.
The recall was prompted by findings from the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), which identified the same H5N1 strain in the recalled products and in cats that tested positive for the flu. One cat had to be euthanized due to the severity of the illness. Wild Coast Raw is cooperating with the regulatory bodies to investigate the matter and has transitioned to fully cooked poultry recipes to eliminate the risk of bird flu in its products.
Amidst concerns of bird flu affecting pets and potential human transmission, it is crucial for pet owners to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their animals’ health. The voluntary recall serves as a cautionary measure to prevent further incidents and protect both pets and their owners from any adverse effects of contamination. The safety and well-being of pets remain a top priority for Wild Coast Raw, underscoring the brand’s commitment to ensuring the quality and integrity of its products.