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25 December 2024

Cat Dies From H5N1 Bird Flu Linked To Raw Pet Food

Health officials urge pet owners to avoid contaminated food products after tragic incident.

A house cat has died from H5N1 bird flu after consuming raw frozen pet food, leading to health warnings and product recalls across Washington County, Oregon, and Los Angeles County, California. On December 24, the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the death of the cat from the highly contagious H5N1 strain, which was linked directly to Morasch Meat’s Northwest Naturals brand 2 lb. Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food.

Dr. Ryan Scholtz, State Veterinarian of the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), stated, "We are confident this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food." The findings were bolstered by genome sequencing, which confirmed the virus recovered from both the raw pet food and the deceased cat matched. This reinforced concerns about the consumption of contaminated pet food and its lethality.

Following the cat's death, the ODA announced the voluntary recall of the Northwest Naturals brand product, which had been distributed nationwide, including parts of British Columbia, Canada. The recalled items are packaged in 2-pound plastic bags and have "Best if used by" dates of May 21, 2026, B10, and June 23, 2026, B1. The recall has since prompted the Los Angeles County health officials to warn local pet owners to avoid these products.

Los Angeles County health officials are urging pet owners to dispose of the recalled food immediately. They are also on alert for any signs of illness among pet owners and their pets who may have consumed the contaminated product. Symptoms of H5N1 infection can include listlessness, loss of appetite, severe depression, fever, respiratory issues, and more severe neurological symptoms. If owners notice any irregularities, they are advised to consult their veterinarians immediately.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health reported three more cases of presumptive H5N1 infection among cats, marking rising public health concerns. Although these cases have not yet been definitively linked back to the contaminated pet food, health officials are investigating the source of the virus, with raw meat being heavily suspected.

Notably, the health department's investigation extended to four L.A. County cats who had severe reactions after consuming recalled milk, as well as potential secondary infections from raw meat, emphasizing the need for pet owners to adhere strictly to food safety guidelines. Pamela Johnson from the L.A. County health department stated, "Pet owners are urged to dispose of the products immediately." The public was warned to look for any signs of illness related to both raw meat and dairy consumption.

Local health officials are still maintaining the overall risk of H5N1 bird flu to the public is low, stating there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Nevertheless, they are actively monitoring the situation after confirming the first human case of bird flu within L.A. County, wherein the individual was exposed to infected livestock.

Given the circumstances and the potential dangers surrounding raw pet food consumption, the health department advises residents against feeding their pets any raw meat or dairy products. "The overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low," officials reiterated, but they still caution about the potential threats raw food poses, both to pets and those caring for them.

This incident raises theoretical concerns about food safety across the pet food industry, and Dr. Scholtz emphasized the shared responsibility pet owners have for their pets’ health by ensuring the food they consume is safe and properly managed. The general public, especially pet owners, are encouraged to remain vigilant as authorities continue to deal with this serious health issue and its broader ramifications.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to report any health issues observed among pets. With increasingly reported cases, the emphasis on preventative measures against potential outbreaks grows more significant as pet owners are reminded about the contributions human actions play, such as food safety and proper handling of pet consumables.

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