A house cat in Oregon died after eating one of the pet food products made by a Portland-based company that tested positive for avian flu, prompting a voluntary countrywide recall.
One batch of Northwest Naturals’ 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food was recalled on Tuesday after testing positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly referred to as H5N1 bird flu, according to a news release from Morasch Meats subsidiary Northwest Naturals.
The announcement stated that the virus-infected batch was distributed across the United places by distributors in Washington, Arizona, Rhode Island, Georgia, Maryland, and several other places. The items were also distributed in British Columbia, Canada, by distributors.
The company is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Agriculture on the voluntary recall, which was not required by the US Food and Drug Administration.
According to a news release from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the cat in Washington County, Oregon, died after eating raw frozen pet food that tested positive for H5N1.
According to the authority, testing showed that the virus in the uncooked frozen pet food and the afflicted animal shared a genetic match. In reaction to the test results, the Washington State Department of Agriculture released a Facebook message announcing the voluntary recall.
According to a statement from Ryan Scholz, a state veterinarian with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, “We are certain that this cat contracted H5N1 by consuming Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food.”
Bird flu claimed the lives of twenty large cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington.
“This cat was exclusively indoors,” Scholz clarified. The genome sequencing results verified that the virus from the raw pet food and the afflicted cat were same, and the environment did not expose it to the virus.
Northwest Naturals states that the recall applies to items that are best if used between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
Anyone who bought the recalled product is advised by Northwest Naturals to throw it away right away and get in touch with the retailer for a full refund.
The Oregon Health Authority and local public health officials are keeping an eye out for bird flu symptoms in those who shared a home with the infected cat, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
According to the government, there have been no human instances of bird flu as a result of the occurrence.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs and cats can get bird flu by consuming raw or undercooked meat, ill or dead infected birds, or unpasteurized milk.
The association states that although it is very uncommon, humans can become sick if they come into touch with diseased animals.
The first human instance of severe sickness associated with H5N1 in the United States occurred last week when a person in Louisiana who had been exposed to sick and dead birds was admitted to the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
minor fever, sore throat, headaches, exhaustion, and body or muscular aches are all considered minor symptoms in humans, according to the CDC. The more moderate to severe symptoms include altered consciousness, respiratory difficulties, and a high fever.
The CDC reports that 65 cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the United States since April 2024.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.