Northwest Naturals Recalls Pet Food Due To Bird Flu

A cat’s death linked to bird flu has prompted a nationwide recall by Northwest Naturals.

At a Glance

An Oregon cat died after eating affected pet food, initiating a recall.
The cat food has been recalled due to contamination caused by the H5N1 bird flu virus, which matched the infected cat.
The affected product is distributed across multiple states and Canadian provinces.
No human cases are linked to this incident, but monitoring continues.

Recall Prompted by Cat’s Death

A house cat in Oregon died after consuming pet food that tested positive for bird flu. This led Northwest Naturals to recall its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. This voluntary recall affects several states and British Columbia, Canada. The pet food was packaged in two-pound bags with “best if used by” dates in 2026. Genome sequencing confirmed that the virus found in both the pet food and the cat were identical.

Consumers are urged to dispose of the product and seek refunds. No human cases have been reported linked to this particular incident, although individuals who made contact with the infected cat are under observation.

Portland cat death triggers nationwide Northwest Naturals pet food recall over bird flu https://t.co/VrG7Yy8s5l

— KTVB.COM (@KTVB) December 25, 2024

Concerns About Bird Flu

Bird flu is spreading across the United States, creating concern. The CDC has recorded over 60 mild bird flu cases in eight states. In Oregon, a human case linked to poultry was reported, with the individual recovering fully. Additionally, a pig in Oregon was found to have the virus, marking the first U.S. swine detection.

Officials emphasize the low risk to humans from infected pets but advise caution. Historical examples show possible transmission, like the cited 2016 New York case.

Implications for Pet Owners

The case highlights the vulnerability of cats to bird flu. Cats can experience symptoms that progress rapidly, possibly resulting in death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions.

Oregon’s Department of Agriculture warns of the risks associated with raw pet foods. It’s important for pet owners to stay alert and informed to protect their animals from this threat.