Pet Food Recalled Following Cat’s Death

A recent pet food recall has been issued after a cat’s tragic death linked to bird flu exposure.

At a Glance

Northwest Naturals recalled raw pet food after it was linked to a cat’s death due to bird flu.
The recall involves Feline Turkey Recipe with expiration dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
The products were distributed nationwide and in parts of Canada.
Consumers are advised to discard affected products and seek refunds.

Nationwide Recall and Health Precautions

Oregon authorities initiated a voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals pet food after a house cat died from bird flu (H5N1). The affected food, Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food, tested positive and was distributed across the U.S. and Canada. Consumers are urged to dispose of any remaining food and contact retailers for refunds. Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian of Oregon, confirmed the H5N1 strain’s presence, linking it to the cat’s demise.

The products in question carry “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Health officials emphasize caution, noting that no human cases have been reported directly from this incident, although human bird flu cases do occur, primarily from poultry exposure. Northwest Naturals has provided contact options for consumer queries and refunds.

Northwest Naturals is recalling a line of its pet food after authorities Oregon linked the death of a cat to a batch contaminated with bird flu. https://t.co/ux6G3ckw6Z

— Lansing State Journal (@LSJNews) December 26, 2024

Understanding Bird Flu and Pet Food Risks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been multiple human bird flu cases from exposure to infected poultry. Dr. Ryan Scholz highlighted the health dangers of feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, raising significant concerns about transmission risks within animal populations and potential industry impacts.

“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other,” Scholz said.

The Oregon Health Authority reports a low likelihood of bird flu transmission from pets to humans but stresses best practices for handling raw animal products. Recommendations include avoiding raw or undercooked meats and maintaining hygiene when handling possibly contaminated materials.

Preparing Pet Owners for Safer Practices

This incident underscores the necessity for vigilance and good health practices concerning pet food. The Oregon Department of Agriculture discourages pet owners from using raw meat products, citing illness risks. Cats are especially susceptible to avian viruses, with rapid progression to severe illness.