The Washington State Department of Health verified the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in pet cats and unopened containers of Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats in April 2025. Several cats became ill and tested positive for HPAI after consuming the product. [1]

2025 HPAI Recall: Wild Coast Raw Cat Food Linked to Avian Influenza Outbreak

Recall , July 09, 2025

The Washington State Department of Health verified the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in pet cats and unopened containers of Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats in April 2025. Several cats became ill and tested positive for HPAI after consuming the product. [1]

Date of Advisory: April 2025

Regulatory Authorities Involved: Washington State Department of Health, CDC, USDA, FDA

Contaminant: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Product Affected: Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for Cats

Product Details

  • Brand: Wild Coast Raw
  • Product: Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for Cats
  • Type: Raw cat food (2 lb vacuum-sealed packs)
  • Contamination Detected: HPAI H5N1 (Avian Influenza Virus)
  • Distribution Areas: Washington and Oregon
  • Recall Status: Public advisory issued; consumers advised to discard product
Formulation and Regulatory Insights for the Cosmeceutical Sector (6)

Health Risks to Pets and Humans

  1. Symptoms of HPAI in Cats:
  • Respiratory distress
  • Neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, tremors)
  • Sudden death
  1. Human Health Concerns:

While transmission from pets to humans is rare, it may occur in immunocompromised individuals or those in close contact with infected animals. Extra caution is advised for such individuals.

  1. Regulatory & Public Health Response
  • Washington State Department of Health: Issued statewide advisory
  • Veterinary Networks: Advised to monitor and report abnormal feline illness
  • CDC & USDA: Initiated traceback and outbreak source investigation
  • FDA: Monitoring product safety and overseeing compliance

Wild Coast Raw Recall Summary

BrandProduct NameSize/TypeContaminantDistribution AreaRecall/Advisory Date
Wild Coast RawBoneless Free Range Chicken Formula (Feline)2 lb vacuum-sealed packsHPAI H5N1 (Avian Influenza)Washington, OregonApril 2025

Why This Recall Matters

This recall is one of the first confirmed cases linking commercial raw pet food to an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in domestic cats. It highlights the cross-species transmission risks associated with raw meat diets and underscores the need for enhanced public health surveillance, especially when novel pathogens are involved.

Consumer Action Steps

  • Stop Use Immediately: Discontinue feeding the affected product
  • Dispose Safely: Seal and discard in secure containers
  • Sanitize: Clean all bowls, surfaces, and storage areas exposed to the product
  • Monitor Pets: Watch for symptoms such as respiratory or neurological issues
  • Seek Veterinary Care: If symptoms develop
  • Report Cases: Notify local or state public health departments

Regulatory Guidelines

Manufacturers of raw pet food must follow:

  • FDA CFR Title 21 (Part 507): Mandates preventive controls, pathogen risk assessment, sanitation, and monitoring.
  • USDA APHIS & CDC Protocols: Required for zoonotic threats like HPAI; includes state coordination and outbreak reporting.
  • Labeling Requirements: Must warn about pathogen risks and outline safe handling instructions for raw meat products.

Manufacturer’s Guidance Wild Coast Raw and similar raw pet food manufacturers should adopt the following measures:

Pathogen Testing: Conduct routine batch testing for H5N1, Salmonella, and Listeria.

Supply Chain Control: Ensure poultry and raw materials meet veterinary inspection and biosafety standards.

Cold Chain Verification: Maintain required temperatures during storage and transport to reduce contamination risk.

Recall Plan: Establish a traceability and recall protocol per FDA guidelines.

Consumer Communication: Provide timely risk updates through product labels and online platforms.

FRL Commentary The HPAI (H5N1) issue in Wild Coast Raw pet food highlights the urgent need for better biosafety in raw animal-based products. At FRL, we emphasize:

Zoonotic Risk: Raw poultry diets must undergo strict microbial testing to prevent species-to-species transmission.

Traceability: Complete tracking and supplier audits are critical.

Regulatory Readiness: Verify compliance with FDA and USDA rules before product release.

Consumer Guidance: Ensure clear safety info and recall notices on packaging and digital channels. FRL provides expert support in formulation, microbial safety, and regulatory compliance to protect product quality and consumer trust.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Wild Coast Raw recall reveals major risks from HPAI in raw pet food, affecting both animal and human health. It highlights the urgency for strict testing, traceability, and regulatory adherence. Proactive cooperation between manufacturers, veterinarians, and public health bodies is crucial to prevent future cross-species outbreaks.