Introduction

In a startling development, Northwest Naturals, a prominent pet food manufacturer, has issued a recall of its raw turkey pet food after a tragic incident involving a cat's death linked to bird flu contamination. The Oregon-based company announced that a specific batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food tested positive for the dangerous avian influenza virus, known as H5N1.

Public Health Concerns

This alarming recall raises significant concerns about the potential for bird flu transmission among animals and even to humans. While recent cases have been confirmed in both cats and people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reassures the public that the overall risk remains low.

Specifics of the Recall

The voluntary recall specifically impacts plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The affected product was widely distributed across retailers in the United States and British Columbia.

Confirmed Case

The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed the tragic case of the house cat that contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the contaminated pet food. According to veterinarian Ryan Scholz, the findings left no doubt: “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food. 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.

Advice for Pet Owners

Pet owners who purchased this product are strongly advised to dispose of it immediately and reach out to Northwest Naturals for a refund.

Recent Bruin Flu Cases

This incident comes on the heels of alarming news from the CDC last week, highlighting the first severe human case of bird flu in Louisiana connected to backyard flocks. Furthermore, two additional human cases were reported: one adult in Missouri in September and a child in California in November, both of whom had no known exposure to sick animals.

Recall of Raw Milk

Adding to the urgency, the bird flu has also led to a recent recall of raw milk in California, which tested positive for the virus. This milk was consumed by two cats that subsequently died, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Consumer Information

For more detailed information regarding the Northwest Naturals recall, concerned consumers can reach out to the company at [email protected] or call 866-637-1872. If you are a pet owner, stay alert and ensure the safety of your furry companions!