Protect your pets: 2 infected with bird flu in Western WA, possibly linked to food products
Feb 26, 2025, 1:44 PM | Updated: 4:27 pm
Raw cat food, manufactured by Wild Coast Raw. (Photo courtesy of the WSDA)
(Photo courtesy of the WSDA)
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced Wednesday that two local cats have been infected with bird flu — potentially linked to recalled pet food.
The affected indoor cats are from King and Snohomish Counties, with more cats being tested, health officials reported.
The agency issued a public health alert earlier this month about Wild Coast Raw pet food. The free-range chicken was manufactured by Wild Coast Raw with a best-by date of December 2025.
The department previously said cats in Oregon who ate the food began getting sick with the bird flu this month.
No human infections have been linked to the food, but people can become infected if the virus reaches their eyes, nose or mouth.
“Pets with H5N1 infections may have a fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, seizure, incoordination or blindness,” the WSDA stated on its website. “If your pet has consumed this product and has any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.”
More from MyNorthwest: CEO of Wilcox Farms hopeful for bird flu vaccine as impact on farms ‘gut-wrenching’
More cat food recalled
In December, Portland-based Northwest Naturals issued a voluntary recall for a batch of its raw and frozen two-pound feline turkey recipe.
The product was sold through distributors in several states including Washington.
Related from MyNorthwest: Brand of pet food made in the Northwest being recalled
This story was originally published on February 14, it has been updated and republished since then.
Contributing: Aaron Granillo and Katrina Guischard, KIRO Newsradio; Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest
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