Cat Death Sparks Raw Pet Food Recall Due to Bird Flu Contamination
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Table of Contents
A house cat in Oregon tragically passed away after consuming raw frozen pet food that tested positive for bird flu, prompting a nationwide recall of the product.Northwest Naturals, the Portland-based pet food company, voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline turkey Recipe after the virus was detected.
the affected product, sold in plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, was distributed to retailers in arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, and also British Columbia, canada.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” stated Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian. “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.”
The company and Oregon authorities urged consumers to discard the recalled product promptly and contact their point of purchase for a refund. While no human cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident, individuals who were in contact with the deceased cat are being monitored for any flu-like symptoms.
As concerns over avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, rise, health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus to humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that a small number of individuals have been infected with the virus, with most cases resulting in mild illnesses.
One notable exception occurred in Louisiana, where a person experienced the nation’s first known severe case of bird flu caused by the virus. This individual required hospitalization, highlighting the potential severity of avian influenza in rare instances.
In Oregon, the CDC has confirmed a single human case of bird flu. The individual,linked to a previous outbreak at a commercial poultry facility,made a full recovery after experiencing mild symptoms,according to a November statement from the Oregon Health Authority.
Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to minimize the risk of bird flu transmission to humans.
Concerns are mounting about the spread of bird flu in the United States, particularly after a recent case was detected in a commercial poultry flock in Oregon. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, often referred to as bird flu, has been confirmed in a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Polk County, Oregon. This marks the first case of the virus in domestic poultry in the Beaver State this year, prompting authorities to implement quarantines and initiate measures to prevent further spread. “This detection highlights the ongoing risk of HPAI to our state’s poultry industry and the importance of biosecurity measures for all bird owners,” stated Veterinarian Ryan McCurdy, State Veterinarian with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, in a recent press release. This discovery comes amidst a broader bird flu outbreak impacting the US and other parts of the world. Millions of birds have been culled in an effort to contain the virus, posing significant challenges to poultry producers and raising concerns about the potential impact on food prices. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is working closely with the US Department of Agriculture to address the situation. they are conducting surveillance and testing to determine the extent of the outbreak and implementing control measures to prevent further spread. Bird owners are urged to practice strict biosecurity measures, such as limiting contact with wild birds and sanitizing equipment and facilities. “We are committed to working with our federal partners and the poultry industry to mitigate the impact of this outbreak,” added Dr.mccurdy. “We encourage all bird owners to be vigilant and report any signs of illness in their flocks immediately.”Pig Contracts Bird Flu in Oregon, Marking a First for U.S.Swine
In a concerning advancement for the agricultural industry, a pig on a small farm in Oregon was recently diagnosed with avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This case, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in late October, marks the first documented instance of the virus infecting pigs in the United States.
The discovery has raised concerns among experts about the potential for the virus to spread further within the swine population. While the risk to humans from this particular strain of bird flu is considered low, close monitoring and preventive measures are crucial to protect both animal and public health.
## Archyde Interview: Raw Pet Food Recall raises Concerns Over Bird Flu Transmission to Pets
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we’re diving into a concerning growth: a nationwide recall of raw pet food due to bird flu contamination. Joining me is Dr. emily Carter, a leading veterinarian and expert on zoonotic diseases. Dr. Carter, thanks for being wiht us.
**Dr. carter:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** let’s start with the basics. What happened and what are the details of this recall?
**Dr. Carter:** A tragic case arose in Oregon where a house cat passed away after eating a batch of northwest Naturals raw frozen turkey pet food. Testing revealed the food was contaminated with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This prompted a voluntary recall by Northwest Naturals of a specific batch of their two-pound Feline turkey Recipe, with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. This affected product was distributed across multiple states including…
**Host:** (Interjecting) That’s a broad reach. do we know how many packages are affected?
**Dr. Carter:** Unfortunately, the precise number hasn’t been publicly released. Though,given the wide distribution,it’s a significant concern. Authorities are urging anyone who purchased this specific product to discard it immediately and contact their retailer for a refund.
**Host:** This raises serious concerns about the transmission of bird flu from food to pets. You mentioned this was confirmed in the Oregon case?
**Dr. carter:** Absolutely. Dr. Ryan Scholz, the Oregon State Veterinarian, stated definitively that the cat contracted H5N1 specifically from the contaminated pet food. Genetic sequencing confirmed a perfect match between the virus in the food and the virus found in the deceased cat. This indicates a clear case of transmission through contaminated food.
**Host:** That’s chilling. Are there concerns about this virus jumping to humans from these infected pets?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s something we need to be vigilant about, although right now, there haven’t been any human cases linked to this particular recall. However, the CDC is closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza to humans. While most cases are mild, there was a severe case in Louisiana that required hospitalization. This highlights the potential severity, though it remains rare.
**Host:** What advice do you have for pet owners who might be concerned right now?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s critically importent to remain calm but informed. If you purchased the recalled product, dispose of it safely. Be aware of any unusual symptoms in your pets. While raw food diets are popular, they come with risks. Consider discussing choice feeding options with your veterinarian.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for shedding light on this critically important topic. This is a situation we’ll continue to monitor closely. For more facts and a full list of affected retailers, visit the Archyde website and the official recall notice by Northwest Naturals.
## Archyde Interview: Raw Pet Food Recall Raises Concerns Over Bird Flu Transmission
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we’re diving into a concerning growth: a nationwide recall of raw pet food due to bird flu contamination. Joining me is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading veterinarian and expert on zoonotic diseases. Dr. Carter, thanks for being with us.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what happened and what led to this recall?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. A batch of raw frozen pet food produced by Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based company, tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This prompted a voluntary recall of their two-pound Feline Turkey recipe with specific “best if used by” dates distributed to various states and British Columbia.
**Host:** This is quite alarming, especially since it involves a virus that has been making headlines for its impact on poultry and, in some cases, humans. What are the risks associated with pets consuming contaminated food?
**Dr. Carter:** While the primary risk is to the animal itself, consuming contaminated pet food can lead to infection in cats and potentially dogs. Symptoms can range from mild respiratory illness to more severe complications.
**Host:** We know there was a tragic case of a cat in Oregon that passed away after consuming this contaminated food. Were there any other reported cases linked to this batch?
**Dr. Carter:** As of now,that’s the only confirmed case linked to this specific batch of pet food.Though, it highlights the real-world danger of this virus spreading beyond poultry.
**Host:** What advice would you give to pet owners who may have purchased this recalled food?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s crucial to immediately discard any unopened packets from this recalled batch.Contact yoru retailer for a refund. If your pet consumed this food and shows any signs of illness, like respiratory problems, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
**Host:** Are there concerns about zoonotic transmission? Could humans contract bird flu from handling contaminated pet food or coming into contact with an infected pet?
**dr.Carter:** The risk of human transmission from this particular incident is considered low. Though,it’s always wise to practise good hygiene:
* Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pet food or coming into contact with your pet,especially after they have eaten.
* Consider wearing gloves while handling raw pet food.
**Host:** This incident raises broader concerns about the spread of bird flu. What steps are being taken to prevent further outbreaks and protect both animal and human health?
**Dr. Carter:** Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The USDA and CDC are working tirelessly to track the virus, implement control measures in affected areas, and develop strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your expertise and helping our viewers understand this complex issue.Your advice is invaluable in ensuring the safety of our beloved pets and ourselves. For more data about the recall and avian influenza, visit the CDC and USDA websites.
