Nationwide recall of cat food after bird flu die-off

The death of an Oregon domestic cat that became ill after eating raw pet food contaminated with bird flurecently prompted a national recall.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) on Thursday announced that samples of Northwest Naturals 2lb raw and frozen pet food recipe for turkeys tested positive for the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.

Testing by multiple USDA laboratories in Oregon confirmed the presence of a domestic cat Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after eating raw frozen pet food, according to an ODA statement.

RARE HUMAN CASE OF HIGHLY INFECTIOUS BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN TEXAS

Tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat, according to the ODA.

“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said Ryan Scholz, ODA veterinarian. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; she was not exposed to the virus in her environment, and the genome sequencing results confirmed that the virus recovered from raw pet food and the infected cat were an exact match.”

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who had contact with the cat for flu symptoms, according to officials.

Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon-based company, has issued a voluntary recall of the food, which is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best If Used By” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1 .

The product is sold nationwide through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. in the United States and British Columbia in Canada, according to the ODA. Customers who purchased the recalled product should immediately dispose of the product and contact the place of purchase for a full refund.

Although Oregon reported one confirmed a human case of HPAIThere were no injuries related to the incident, officials said.

Neighboring states like Idaho, Nevada and California reported HPAI cases in dairy cattle herds, contributing to more than 700 confirmed cases in 16 states nationwide, according to the ODA.

As a precaution, the department announced earlier this month that it would do so test milk from every commercial dairy in the state.

FEDS MANDATE BIRD FLU MILK TESTING

To avoid spreading the disease, experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat products
• Avoid consuming raw dairy products
• Limit contact with sick or dead animals
• Wash hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick or dead animals
• Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
• Save pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl

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Northwest Naturals did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.