The death of a house cat in Oregon has prompted Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, to issue a nationwide recall of its raw frozen cat food after the product tested positive for bird flu. This alarming development has raised questions about the safety of feeding pets raw meat and precautions pet owners should take.
The cat, which resided strictly indoors, fell ill after consuming the company's 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of H5N1, the strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus, not only matched the virus found within the cat but also indicated it was contracted through the food itself. "We are confident this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food," stated Dr. Ryan Scholz, the Oregon Department of Agriculture's state veterinarian.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed the cat was infected and died solely from eating the contaminated pet food. This information was disseminated through media reports, which highlighted the urgent need for pet owners across the nation to review their supplies for the affected product.
The infected food, with “best if used by” dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, was sold across several states, including California, Colorado, and Florida, as well as provinces in Canada such as British Columbia. Northwest Naturals has advised customers to immediately dispose of any products fitting these descriptions and seek refunds from retailers.
This incident shines a light on the risks associated with feeding raw meat to pets, which, according to experts, poses potential health threats. "Consumption of raw or uncooked pet food contaminated with HPAI can cause severe illness among animals," Northwest Naturals confirmed on its website.
Even though bird flu cases have become increasingly rare among household pets, there have been recent reports indicating felines are particularly vulnerable. The Oregon Health Authority is currently monitoring those who had close contact with the infected cat for any flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, underscored the importance of keeping pets safe from potential exposure to the virus. He urged pet owners to avoid feeding them raw meat and unpasteurized products, both of which may harbor harmful pathogens. "Raw milk, raw meat products can be and are vectors for carrying this virus," he explained.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 65 bird flu cases across the U.S. since April 2024, including one severe human case related to infected birds. So far, no human infections have been directly linked to the cat food recall, making continued public vigilance and awareness pivotal.
Health officials also advised pet owners to report any cases of sick or dead birds and to limit their pets’ exposure to wildlife, especially birds and livestock, as they might be carriers of the virus.
At this time, it has been established by health officials and the Oregon agriculture department's testing processes, which involved multiple labs, confirming the genetic match between the pathogens found both within the cat and the recalled pet food. Such cases highlight the potential for bird flu to make its way from wild and domesticated animals to household pets.
Despite the developing trend of HPAI cases, experts, including Dr. Scholz, point out the current low-risk status of H5N1 transmission to humans, reinforcing the importance of food safety and handling practices. "The risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low; this incident is making waves as it reminds us how paths of infection can emerge unexpectedly through pet feeding practices," he added.
This situation serves as both an urgent warning and learning opportunity for pet owners. Monitoring the health of pets closely, steering clear of feeding them raw or unpasteurized items, and acting on any signs of illness are ways cat owners can contribute to their furry companions' safety.
The conversation surrounding avian influenza is not limited to pet health. There have been concerns about how this virus could mutate and spread, potentially making it more hazardous to the human population. Studies indicate cats, like pigs, might serve as mixing vessels, allowing avian and mammalian viruses to intermix and potentially escalate the risks – hence the heightened focus on their health at this time.
While health officials have not implemented mandatory recalls, they continue to urge consumers to practice caution and remain vigilant. Regular veterinary check-ups and following government guidance play key roles as the health community confronts both bird flu and its association with domestic animals.
Until more is known, the situation remains fluid, and pet owners across the nation must stay informed about developments related to bird flu, especially with regard to how it affects their beloved animals and the food they consume.
