Cat Food Recalled Over Potential Bird Flu Contamination—One Pet Dead, FDA Confirms

A popular raw cat food brand has been voluntarily recalled following concerns over possible contamination with bird flu, officially known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

On March 1, Wild Coast, a pet food manufacturer based in Olympia, Washington, issued the recall for its Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula—a frozen raw cat food product—after tests indicated it may be contaminated with the dangerous H5N1 virus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the announcement shortly after.

According to the FDA, “H5N1 can be transmitted to animals eating contaminated product,” raising red flags for both pet owners and veterinarians across affected regions.

Which Cat Food Is Being Recalled?

The impacted products come in 16- and 24-ounce frozen packages and were distributed primarily in Washington and Oregon. Affected lot numbers include:

• #22660
  
• #22653
  
• #22641
  
• #22639
  
• #22672
  
• #22664
  

All have a listed best-by date of December 2025.

Tyler Duncan, the founder of Wild Coast, addressed the recall in a statement posted to Facebook on March 3, saying, “This recall is a precautionary measure.” He also expressed grief over the confirmed death of a pet: “We were devastated to learn of the passing of a beloved pet, and our hearts go out to the owner. The safety of our products and that of our customers’ beloved pets is always our top priority.”

What Sparked the Recall?

In February, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed that two cats had tested positive for avian influenza. This discovery followed lab tests on unopened Wild Coast pet food, prompting the agency to issue a warning. The company’s internal quality control systems flagged the potential contamination, triggering the voluntary recall.

Bird Flu Symptoms in Cats: What to Watch For

Pet owners who have fed their cats Wild Coast’s recalled products are advised to monitor for symptoms associated with bird flu, including:

• Fever and lethargy
  
• Perdita di appetito
  
• Eye inflammation or discharge
  
• Nasal discharge
  
• Laboured breathing
  
• Neurological symptoms (tremors, uncoordinated movement, seizures, blindness)

If a cat displays any of these symptoms, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.

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No Human Cases Linked to Pet Food—But Precautions Still Urged

While no cases of human infection have been traced to raw pet food handling, the FDA warns that people can contract bird flu if the virus enters through their eyes, nose, or mouth. They recommend anyone handling raw food:

• Wash hands thoroughly
  
• Sanitize countertops, feeding bowls, and utensils
  
• Store raw food separately from other items in the refrigerator
  

The United States recorded its first human death from H5N1 in January, although it was unrelated to pet food. The FDA stresses that, while the risk is low, the situation underscores the importance of caution.

What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Product?

Consumers who purchased the affected Wild Coast cat food should dispose of it safely and not donate or resell it under any circumstance.

For more details and updates, visit the FDA’s official recall page.