Pet Food Recalled Over Bird Flu Concerns

A cat’s death has sparked a nationwide pet food recall over bird flu concerns, raising concerns about pet safety and human health risks.

At a Glance

Northwest Naturals’ Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food has been recalled due to possible bird flu contamination.
The recall was initiated after a cat in Oregon died from consuming the contaminated food.
The affected batch has sell-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
Pet owners are advised to check their supplies and dispose of recalled products.
No human cases linked to the contaminated pet food have been reported.

Contaminated Pet Food Leads to Feline Fatality

A voluntary recall has been issued for Northwest Naturals’ Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food following the death of a cat in Oregon. The cat reportedly died after contracting bird flu. The affected batch, with sell-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, has been recalled due to risk of contamination with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

The recall was announced after thorough testing by the Oregon Agriculture Department and Oregon State University’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory. State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said, “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food.”

Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination https://t.co/Xu6yxftHLK

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Indoor Cat’s Death Highlights Contamination Severity

The case of the deceased cat is particularly alarming as it was an indoor pet with no environmental exposure to the virus. Genome sequencing confirmed that the virus found in the food and the cat were identical, providing evidence of the contamination source.

This incident underscores the importance of pet food safety and the potential risks associated with raw meat products. The Oregon Agriculture Department has advised against consuming raw meat products for both people and pets, highlighting the broader implications of this recall.

Recall Scope and Consumer Action

The recalled pet food was distributed in several U.S. states and British Columbia, Canada. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to dispose of it immediately and seek refunds from their place of purchase. For further information on refunds, consumers can contact the company at 866-637-1872.

The Food and Drug Administration has warned that cats are particularly vulnerable to bird flu, which can cause rapid illness and death. Pet owners should be vigilant and seek immediate veterinary care if their pets show any signs of illness after consuming the recalled product.

Broader Implications and Human Health Concerns

While no human cases have been directly linked to the contaminated pet food, the incident raises concerns about the potential for bird flu to spread to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in bird flu cases in the U.S., with over 60 people infected, mostly with mild symptoms. Additionally, a recent case in Louisiana marked the first severe human case of the latest bird flu outbreak, H5N1, in the U.S. It is notable that the spread of bird flu from a pet to a pet owner is possible yet unlikely.

The discovery of bird flu in a pig in Oregon, marking the first detection in U.S. swine, further emphasizes the virus’s ability to cross species barriers. This development, coupled with the pet food contamination, highlights the need for increased vigilance and improved safety measures in both the pet food industry and animal husbandry practices.