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Pet Food Recalled After Cat's Bird Flu Death

A recent case of bird flu has led to the voluntary recall of a batch of raw frozen pet food, following the tragic death of an indoor cat in Oregon. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of raw pet food products and their potential to transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

Northwest Naturals Issues Voluntary Recall

Northwest Naturals, a well-known pet food manufacturer, announced the recall on Tuesday, urging pet owners to discard their Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen food if the sell-by date falls between 21 May 2026 and 23 June 2026. The batch in question, distributed across the United States, tested positive for HPAI.

• Customers seeking further information or a refund are encouraged to contact the company directly at 866-637-1872.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) also released a notice confirming the recall. This followed laboratory tests conducted by the ODA and Oregon State University’s veterinary diagnostic lab, which identified the contamination.

Confirmed Link Between Food and Infection

State Veterinarian Dr Ryan Scholz confirmed that the cat’s bird flu was directly linked to the contaminated pet food.

• “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it had no exposure to the virus in its environment. Genome sequencing results confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and the infected cat were exact matches,” Dr Scholz explained.

As of Tuesday, no human cases related to this incident have been reported. However, members of the affected household are being monitored for potential symptoms of bird flu. State officials are advising both humans and their pets to avoid consuming raw meat products to minimise the risk of infection.

Bird Flu Cases in the US

This incident coincides with the confirmation of the first severe human case of the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person in Louisiana was hospitalised after likely exposure to an infected backyard flock.

The H5N1 strain has been responsible for dozens of human cases globally this year, underscoring the importance of vigilance in handling raw poultry and bird-related products.

Tragic Bird Flu Outbreak at Washington Wildlife Sanctuary

In a separate but equally distressing incident, bird flu ravaged a wildlife sanctuary in Washington state, resulting in the deaths of 20 big cats. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton announced the devastating loss on social media, describing it as a “significant tragedy.”

The first signs of illness appeared around Thanksgiving, according to sanctuary director Mark Mathews. By early December, tests confirmed that avian influenza had spread through the facility.

Heartbreaking Losses

The sanctuary’s losses included five African servals, four cougars, four bobcats, two Canada lynx, and one each of the following species: Bengal cat, Amur/Bengal tiger, African caracal, Geoffroy’s cat, and Eurasian lynx.

• “These incredible animals were like family to us, and this tragedy has deeply affected our entire team,” the sanctuary stated in a heartfelt Facebook post.

The sanctuary, which housed 37 cats before the outbreak, is now left with just 17. Some of the deceased animals had unique stories. For instance, Tabbi, an endangered half-Bengal and half-Amur tiger, loved playing in the water. Hannah, a rescued cougar from Wyoming, was described as “sweet” and playful. Mouse, a small Geoffroy’s cat, captured the hearts of staff and visitors alike.

Mathews described the ordeal as a living nightmare.

“Every day, you wake up hoping it’s just a bad dream, but it’s not,” he told local media.

Rapid Spread of Bird Flu Among Cats

Health officials confirmed that over half of the sanctuary’s animals had contracted bird flu. The virus spreads primarily through secretions and droppings from infected birds. Carnivorous mammals, such as cats, are particularly susceptible when exposed to infected birds or contaminated environments.

Symptoms of bird flu in cats progress rapidly, often leading to pneumonia-like conditions and death within 24 hours. To prevent further spread, the sanctuary is under strict quarantine and remains closed to the public.

Precautionary Measures Nationwide

The outbreak at the sanctuary reflects a broader concern for animal care facilities across the country. Zoos have started implementing precautionary measures to protect their animals from HPAI. Recent bird flu-related deaths include five zoo animals near Phoenix and one animal at a Seattle zoo.

Protecting Pets and Humans from Bird Flu

The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with avian influenza. Experts recommend avoiding raw meat products and practising strict hygiene when handling pet food. Pet owners should monitor their animals for symptoms such as lethargy, respiratory distress, or sudden death and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect an infection.

Bird flu outbreaks have significant implications for both wildlife and domestic pets. As cases rise, heightened awareness and preventive measures will be crucial in mitigating the spread of this deadly virus.