An Oregon house cat tragically passed away after consuming pet food contaminated with bird flu, according to Oregon authorities. This incident led to the recall of a batch of raw frozen pet food by Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon. The affected product, a two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe, was distributed nationwide through various distributors in states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, and Florida, as well as in Canada’s British Columbia.
Dr. Ryan Scholz, the State Veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, stated that the cat likely contracted the H5N1 virus from consuming the contaminated pet food. Genome sequencing confirmed that the virus found in both the pet food and the infected cat were exact matches. The recalled product, packaged in two-pound plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, should be discarded immediately, and consumers are advised to contact the place of purchase for a refund.
While no human cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident, individuals who were in contact with the infected cat are being monitored for flu symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 60 people in eight states have been infected with the virus, resulting in mostly mild illnesses. A person in Louisiana was hospitalized with the first known severe illness caused by the virus.
The CDC confirmed one human case of bird flu in Oregon, which was linked to a previous outbreak at a commercial poultry operation. The individual fully recovered after experiencing mild symptoms. In late October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the detection of bird flu in a pig at a backyard farm in Oregon, marking the first instance of the virus in U.S. swine.
This situation highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing potential risks associated with bird flu contamination in both pet food and livestock. It serves as a reminder for pet owners and consumers to be vigilant and cautious when selecting and handling pet food products to ensure the health and safety of their beloved animals.
