Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Company After Cat’s Death from Bird Flu

A grieving pet owner in Oregon has initiated legal action against Wild Coast Pet Food following the tragic death of his cat, Kira, from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The lawsuit alleges that Wild Coast Pet Food negligently misled consumers by marketing its raw chicken cat food as a health-promoting option without adequately disclosing the inherent risks, including the potential for fatal infection from H5N1-infected poultry.

Tim Hanson, the plaintiff in the case, is seeking just under $8,000 in damages to cover the financial burden incurred by veterinary expenses and legal fees, according to reports from KTVB 7 in Oregon. Hanson adopted Kira in 2021 and routinely fed her and his other cats raw food, specifically chicken, believing it offered significant health advantages. The lawsuit challenges the company’s claims regarding the health benefits of raw food, especially without proper safety protocols and warnings.

The unfortunate sequence of events began in January when Hanson purchased Wild Coast Pet Foods brand cat food. In early February, Kira abruptly lost her appetite, raising immediate concern. Hanson promptly sought veterinary care for Kira on February 5th. After undergoing a series of diagnostic tests, Kira’s condition was confirmed as bird flu a few days later. The severity of Kira’s illness necessitated euthanasia, bringing her life to a sorrowful end on February 9th.

Following the confirmed cases of bird flu in pets linked to their raw chicken product, Wild Coast Pet Food issued a voluntary recall on March 1st for its 16 oz and 24 oz frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food intended for cats. The affected product was distributed and sold in both Washington and Oregon.

The recall announcement, prominently displayed on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website, served as a stark warning to pet owners. The situation has highlighted the potential dangers associated with raw pet food, particularly concerning the spread of diseases like avian influenza.

The current outbreak of bird flu has proven particularly devastating for cat owners. Domestic cats appear to be among the most susceptible non-avian species to H5N1 infection. Reports have surfaced of numerous cat deaths from bird flu spanning from New York to Oregon, and experts suspect that many more cases are going undetected or unreported. This raises concerns about the true scope of the problem and the potential risk to other pets.

Notably, no cases of humans contracting bird flu from consuming food products have been reported in the United States, according to health authorities. However, the link between raw food consumption and bird flu infection in cats is becoming increasingly apparent. U.S. health agencies have conducted rigorous testing on both milk and beef supplies. Preliminary findings suggest that these products are safe for human consumption, provided that milk undergoes pasteurization and beef is cooked to a minimum of medium doneness. These processing methods effectively eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus.

Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of bird flu in the U.S. However, health officials remain vigilant and are closely monitoring the situation due to concerns that the virus could mutate and acquire the ability to spread efficiently among humans. As of now, there have been 70 documented cases of H5N1 infection in Americans, including one fatality. The sources of these infections vary. Forty-one cases have been linked to dairy cattle, 24 cases have been traced back to poultry farms, two cases involved backyard flocks and wild birds, and the origins of three cases remain undetermined.

The lawsuit filed by Hanson against Wild Coast Pet Food underscores the growing debate surrounding the safety of raw pet food. Proponents of raw food diets often claim they offer various health benefits, such as improved digestion, shinier coats, and increased energy levels. However, critics argue that raw food diets pose significant risks, including bacterial contamination and the potential transmission of infectious diseases like bird flu.

This case is not an isolated event. It reflects the broader issue of pet food safety regulations and the responsibility of pet food manufacturers to ensure the health and well-being of the animals that consume their products. Companies that market and sell raw pet food must address these concerns and take proactive measures to reduce the risk of contamination and inform consumers of the potential hazards.

Wild Coast Pet Food has yet to issue an official statement or response to the lawsuit. Gizmodo has reached out to the company for comment and will provide updates as they become available. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the pet food industry and influence the way raw pet food is manufactured, labeled, and marketed in the future.

The tragic loss of Kira serves as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to pet nutrition. Pet owners should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of different diets and consult with their veterinarians to determine the most appropriate and safest options for their animal companions.