In a recent development, a pet food manufacturer based in Portland has initiated a nationwide voluntary recall after a domestic cat in Oregon succumbed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly referred to as H5N1 bird flu. The company, Northwest Naturals, owned by Morasch Meats, issued the recall for one specific batch of its raw frozen turkey recipe pet food. This decision followed laboratory tests that confirmed the presence of the virus in the product and its link to the cat's death. The incident has raised concerns about pet safety and public health.
Details of the Incident
In the crisp autumn season, Northwest Naturals announced a voluntary recall on Tuesday for a particular batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The product tested positive for the HPAI virus, which is known to be highly contagious among birds and can affect mammals, including cats. The recalled batch was distributed across several states in the United States, including Washington, Arizona, Rhode Island, Georgia, Maryland, and British Columbia in Canada.
The company is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to manage the recall. Laboratory testing conducted by the US Department of Agriculture and Oregon State University confirmed that an indoor cat in Washington County, Oregon, died after consuming the contaminated pet food. The genetic match between the virus found in the pet food and the infected cat solidified the connection, leading to the immediate initiation of the recall.
The affected products have "best if used by" dates ranging from May 21, 2026, to June 23, 2026. Northwest Naturals urges customers who purchased these items to discard them immediately and seek a full refund from the store where they bought the product. Public health officials are closely monitoring individuals who were in close contact with the infected cat for any signs of bird flu symptoms. Fortunately, no human cases have been directly linked to this incident so far.
Cats and dogs can contract bird flu through undercooked or raw meat, sick or dead infected birds, or unpasteurized milk. While human infection is rare, it can occur if exposed to infected animals. Last week, a person in Louisiana was hospitalized with severe H5N1 symptoms, marking the first reported case of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. Since April 2024, the CDC has recorded 65 bird flu cases in the country.
Mild symptoms in humans include mild fever, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. More serious symptoms can involve high fever, difficulty breathing, and altered consciousness.
From a journalist's perspective, this incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the pet food industry. It highlights the potential risks associated with raw pet food and the need for heightened awareness among pet owners regarding the sources of their pets' food. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health, emphasizing the necessity for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard both.
