Wild Coast LLC, doing business as Wild Coast Raw, has announced the recall of its frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats due to contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The announcement, officially made on March 1, 2025, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlights significant public health concerns after certain indoor-only cats tested positive for the virus.
This recall affects both 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes of the cat food, which were distributed to pet food retailers throughout Washington and Oregon. According to the FDA, the contaminated products can be identified by specific lot numbers: #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664, all bearing a Best Buy date of December 25, 2025.
The urgency of the situation escalated after multiple reports emerged of indoor cats testing positive for H5N1, with one unfortunate case resulting in euthanasia. Affected cats exhibited severe symptoms after reportedly consuming food from the implicated batches. “This is a difficult situation—we love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill,” stated Dr. Zac Turner, field veterinarian with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), who emphasized the importance of early veterinary consultation for any pets showing symptoms.
Bird flu primarily affects wild birds; nevertheless, the risk extends to domestic cats, which can become infected either through contact with infected birds or by consuming raw food derived from contaminated chickens. Dr. David J. Cennimo, professor of infectious diseases at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, noted, “Cats have previously been seen to become infected with bird flu through presumed contact with infected birds.” He added, “More recently, ingesting raw food made from chickens or other birds infected with avian influenza has resulted in cat infections.”
The ramifications of this recall are severe, as H5N1 poses not only health risks to pets but also potential risks to humans. Although no human infections have been reported among those handling raw pet food products, the FDA cautions individuals who come in contact with these products to wash their hands thoroughly and to sanitize any surfaces exposed to the raw food. The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth, which heightens the need for safety precautions.
“As pet owners, we need to be vigilant,” Dr. Cennimo urged. Symptoms like fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, and difficulty breathing should prompt immediate veterinary attention. The American Veterinary Medical Association has reported concerning findings: “Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death.” They caution, “Whether infected cats can infect other cats is currently unclear; yet, the possibility cannot be dismissed.” This is particularly worrying as more than 80 domestic cats have been confirmed to have contracted bird flu since 2022.
Pet owners who have purchased the recalled cat food are urged to securely discard it to prevent any risk to other animals and wildlife. They should contact the retailer from which they bought the product to arrange for refunds. The WSDA explicitly advises against feeding raw pet food, emphasizing the importance of preventing any future cases among pets.
The recent events reflect not only the challenges posed by avian influenza but also the broader ramifications of this public health issue. The recall issued by Wild Coast Raw was prompted by collaborative sampling efforts between Oregon and Washington departments, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance as the virus persists within the avian population.
While the situation is alarming, health officials maintain there is no significant risk of person-to-person transmission of H5N1. The risk to humans remains low, though caution is advised, particularly for those handling raw food products. Health experts recommend pet owners monitor themselves for symptoms —— including sore throat, cough, and fever —— associated with bird flu exposure and seek medical consultation if these arise.
Wild Coast Raw's recall marks the latest notice linked to the spread of bird flu among felines, echoing earlier incidents involving other pet food brands, such as Northwest Naturals, which recently faced scrutiny after contaminated food led to feline illness and death. The vigilance of health authorities is imperative as they continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance for pet owners.
Pet owners should remain informed and proactive, ensuring their pets' diets are safe and consulting veterinarians when signs of illness arise. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected lives of humans and animals, particularly as health officials work tirelessly to address and mitigate the risks associated with HPAI H5N1.