a nationwide pet food recall It was launched after a cat in Oregon died from bird flu, a highly contagious disease contaminated pet foodThis incident has raised concern about the susceptibility of household pets, especially cats, to avian influenza.

The recall involves Northwest Naturals’ Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food with sell-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Tests confirmed that the batch was contaminated with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), known as avian influenza. Fever. Consumers are advised to discard the affected product and contact Northwest Naturals at 866-637-1872 for a refund.

Cat death linked to contaminated food

State officials confirmed that the cat in question was an indoor pet, ruling out environmental exposure to the virus. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus found in raw pet food was identical to the strain found in the infected cat.

“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; It was not exposed to the virus in its environment,” said Oregon state veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz. He emphasized that the source of the contamination was pet food.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials are closely monitoring homes for symptoms of bird flu. While no human cases have been recorded in Oregon, the CDC recently identified the first serious human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S., a man hospitalized in Louisiana, possibly exposed through backyard flocks.

Symptoms of Bird Flu

Bird flu primarily affects birds, but under certain conditions it can also infect mammals, including cats and humans. Symptoms in cats include:

– Difficulty in breathing

– laziness

– decreased appetite

– Fever

– nasal discharge

– Seizures (in severe cases)

In humans, symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:

– Fever

– cough

– sore throat

– muscle pain

– eye infection

– Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

If symptoms appear, immediate veterinary or medical attention is important.

Concerns about cats as carriers

A recent study highlights concerns that cats may act as carriers of bird flu. They can become infected through contaminated food or contact with infected birds. This underlines the importance of vigilance in the care and monitoring of pets.

preventive measures

To protect both pets and humans from bird flu, experts recommend the following:

– Avoid raw pet food: Opt for cooked pet food to reduce the risk of infection.

– Practice hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food or cleaning food areas.

– Monitor pets outside: Prevent contact with wild birds or their droppings.

– Regular veterinary checkups: Make sure pets are in good health and pay immediate attention to any unusual symptoms.

– Proper disposal: Discard recalled products safely to avoid exposure to other animals.

Industry and public health response

The recall follows the observation of increasing cases of bird flu in domestic animals. Officials are urging consumers to be vigilant about their pets’ health and report any suspected cases to local veterinarians or health departments.

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