Recent incidents of feline fatalities due to contaminated raw pet food have raised alarms among pet owners and health officials. In Oregon, two additional cats succumbed to the deadly avian influenza after consuming tainted raw cat food. These tragic events occurred within Multnomah County, where the affected cats resided in different households but shared a common dietary source from Wild Coast Raw, a company based in Olympia, Washington. The severity of their illness necessitated euthanasia within days of each other.

Laboratories across Oregon, Washington state, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that the food contained the same strain of the virus responsible for the cats' deaths. As a precautionary measure, Washington state authorities promptly issued a recall of the implicated products. Consumers are advised to discard or return any containers of Wild Coast’s boneless free-range chicken formula from specific batches. This incident marks the fifth known case of cat mortality due to bird flu in Oregon, with another recent case involving a Portland-based brand, Northwest Naturals.

Pet health experts emphasize the importance of avoiding raw food diets for cats, as high heat processing is necessary to eliminate the virus. Cats, both domestic and wild, are particularly vulnerable to highly pathogenic avian influenza, while dogs can also contract it but tend to be more resistant. The outbreak extends beyond pets, affecting poultry and dairy cows, often spread by migratory birds. Human exposure has also led to illnesses, including cases among agricultural workers. Amid these concerns, it is crucial for pet owners and the broader community to prioritize safety measures to protect both animal and human health.