Pet owners cautioned after tests confirm Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in two cats living in different households.

THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Two indoor cats in Oregon were euthanized after contracting bird flu, leading to a recall of raw pet food sold in both Oregon and Washington, health officials have announced.

This means four cats in Oregon have now been infected by avian influenza in the past two months, including two others in Washington County. The disease is more common among chickens and other poultry, but can spread to other animals through direct contact with infected birds or by consuming raw meat or milk.

Dozens of domestic cats, including at least 24 this year, have been infected with H5N1, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Many of the animals became infected after consuming raw milk

Three Oregon cats from the same home were taken to DoveLewis after the hospital said they were suspected of having bird flu symptoms.

At least four Oregon cats have been euthanized in the past two months after developing severe symptoms from bird flu.

Raw pet food made by “Wild Coast Raw” has been linked to the cats’ sickness. The Agriculture Departments in both Washington State and Oregon issued the public health notice. They announced a recall for the boneless free-range chicken formula.

Raw pet food for cats has been identified as a source of bird flu infection in Oregon house cats. The cats became ill starting in early February after consuming raw pet food manufactured by Wild Coast LLC, according to warnings from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).