A public health alert has been issued in Oregon and Washington state after at least two cats were euthanized due to eating raw pet food contaminated with bird flu. The affected cats, living in separate households in Multnomah County, fell ill after consuming the Wild Coast LLC product, specifically the Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula with lots #22660 and #22664.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture have confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in the cats and the contaminated food. Several domestic cats in the US have been infected with the virus this year, primarily after consuming raw milk or pet food.
Symptoms of the H5N1 virus include fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Pet owners are advised to contact a veterinarian immediately if their pets show signs of infection. Handling raw pet food can pose a risk to humans if they come into contact with the virus in their eyes, nose, or mouth. The US has reported over 960 cattle herds infected with bird flu since 2022.
As the virus continues to spread among wild birds and dairy cows, it is essential for pet owners to take precautions when feeding their pets raw food or milk.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/02/cats-euthanized-after-eating-raw-pet-food-tainted-with-bird-flu.html