Another Popular Cat Food Has Been Linked to Bird Flu Igniting More Fear in Pet Parents
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is sounding alarms to pet parents after "at least two" cats have been linked to the bird flu in the state, and that's just the beginning.
The WSDA shared a news release notice, which warns that its continued investigation into pet food and the spread of the bird flu in and around the state has identified more cats have been linked and its asking pet parents to be vigilant. Here's what you need to know.
According to the news release, the WSDA has identified that "at least two domestic, indoor cats in King and Snohomish counties in Washington have become infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)" which is also known as "bird flu," and "more cats being tested."The notice, which was posted on the WSDA website on February 26, 2025, shares that the cat food company Wild Cost Raw pet food, were linked to the two domestic, indoor cats identified as being infected with the bird flu in Washington.
According to the notice, the two identified cats tested positive for having the bird flu via laboratory results on February 24, 2025. The WSDA was notified of the results on February 25, 2025. "One of the cats was euthanized due to the severity of the illness," the notice explained. "The second cat is being treated by a veterinarian."
The potentially contaminated Wild Coast Raw pet food was previously linked to severe illness in cats in Oregon earlier this month.
According to the alert, the potential contamination which was linked to bird flu in cats since all the identified cats ate the same food, is the Wild Coast LLC Boneless Range Chicken Formula.
This includes lots #22660 and #22664 with a "Best By Date" of 12/2025, according to the WSDA media notice. The agency is 'urging' pet parents to check their cat food stock at home for these lot numbers and best by dates and safely dispose.
According to the WSDA, common signs of bird flu infection in cats includes "lethargy, low appetite, fever, hypothermia, progression of illness to pneumonia, progression of illness to neurologic abnormalities and upper respiratory infection."
If your cat is showing signs of having potentially contracted Bird Flu, the WSDA notes they 'could be isolated to prevent the possible spread to other animals,' and you should report your concerns to your cat's veterinarian.
'Inform the veterinary clinic before arriving so the veterinary team can prepare to handle the cat in a manner that reduces risk of transmission to veterinary staff, other clients, and other animals,' WSDA warned.
The agency says that bird flu has the potential to spread to humans, but to date there's no indication that's happened in these cases. 'The currently circulating strain of [bird flu] is considered low risk to the public,' they note, however, 'there is greater risk for those who handle contaminated raw pet food products or who care for infected animals.'
Infection to people could happen from handling contaminated pet food or touching contaminated surfaces. "Caretakers should wear a well-fitting face mask and practice good hand hygiene when caring for infected animals," WSDA suggests, adding that people exposed to animals with bird flu will be monitored by public health for ten days after last exposure.
Symptoms of bird fu in people may include fatigue, headache, body aches, fever, nausea, cough, sore throat, and eye redness or irritation. Pet parents "showing these signs should contact their healthcare providers."
The WSDA notes its continuing to monitor the situation and currently does not 'recommend feeding raw pet food or raw milk to animals.'
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