Washington cats confirmed with HPAI as investigation into contaminated pet food continues
- Two indoor-only, domestic cats in in King and Snohomish counties became severely ill in early February 2025 after consuming commercially prepared raw pet food. The cats were tested and confirmed to be infected with H5N1 (HPAI), Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Preliminary results by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) suggest the virus is genotype B3.13.
- This suggests the infection was likely associated with ingestion of contaminated raw pet food and not from ingesting a wild bird.
- Both cats consumed Wild Coast Raw brand Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food.
- The Washington State Department of Agriculture issued a public health alert February 14, 2025, about Wild Coast Raw brand Boneless Free Range Chicken formula frozen raw pet food after it tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus
- The affected product is packaged in round, white plastic containers, with a predominantly green label with known affected lots 22660 and 22664 and best by date 12/2025 printed on stickers on the lids.
- The product was sold through distributors in WA and OR.
- Veterinarians should specifically ask pet owners about whether raw milk and raw diets are being fed, share information about the risk.
- Can also advise pet owners who continue to feed pets raw diets to keep track of and take pictures of the product information such as the brand, product/formula type, lot code, and best by or expiration date, as well as when your pet consumed each.
- Cats with a history of ingestion of raw pet food or ingestion of a wild bird that presents with clinical signs, should notify the State Veterinarians Office to determine what testing should be conducted.
- Cats presenting with neurologic signs should be tested for rabies first, and then will be forwarded on for HPAI testing.
- Public health monitors all people (owners and veterinary staff) exposed to animals infected with HPAI through 10 days following their last exposure. There have been no documented human cases of HPAI following exposure to an infected cat.
Background
While cats have been known to be susceptible to this strain of HPAI since 2022, an increasing number of H5N1-infected domestic cats and big cats have been identified recently in several states. The majority of those domestic cats were from infected dairy farms. However, there have been a smaller number of detections in cats and captive wild felids associated with ingestion of contaminated raw animal products, including raw pet food.
To avoid the spread of disease, including HPAI, state, and federal experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products
- Avoid consuming raw dairy
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash your hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick/dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl
FAQ:
Where is testing available in Washington?
WADDL- Pullman
AHFSL- Puyallup
Note that AHFSL can only test avian samples*
Contact your regional field veterinarian to discuss possible testing options if you are concerned about a case related to the aforementioned pet food recall in Washington.
Is this reportable in Washington?
Yes, HPAI is reportable disease in any domestic animal:
WSDA Reportable Disease Portal
What are the symptoms of HPAI in companion animals?
Clinical signs of HPAI infection in cats are better known than in dogs. Signs in either species may include the following:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Low appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
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