A batch of pet food has been voluntarily recalled nationwide after a cat in Oregon died from bird flu linked to contaminated food.
The recall affects Northwest Naturals’ Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food with sell-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, according to a news release on December 25, 2024.
Tests confirmed that this batch contained highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, the company said in a statement.
This recall follows a recent study that raised concerns about cats possibly spreading the virus, as they can catch bird flu from contaminated food or contact with infected birds.
Consumers are advised to discard the affected pet food and can contact Northwest Naturals at 866-637-1872 for a refund.
“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz. “Genome sequencing showed the virus in the raw pet food and the infected cat was an exact match.”
State health officials are monitoring the cat’s household for any signs of bird flu, but no human cases have been reported so far.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first severe human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. during this outbreak. The patient, hospitalized in Louisiana, likely contracted the virus from a backyard flock.
