A pet cat in Oregon died of bird flu. After eating raw cat food they tested positive for H5N1, the latest worrying development in this year's outbreak of bird flu in animals and humans.
Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Announced Thursday cat death Death occurred after a Outbreak of bird flu at Washington's Wild Felid Support Center this month. The outbreak killed 20 big cats, including African serval cats, bobcats and cougars.
ODA officials said a domestic cat tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, or HPAI, which is genetically identical to the virus found in samples of raw and frozen pet food sold by Northwest Naturals, although it is not currently available. Human cases involving pet food have occurred. But the company has issued a voluntary recall of affected products.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by consuming Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said Ryan Scholz, ODA state veterinarian for the department. statement– “This cat is strictly an indoor cat. It is not exposed to viruses in its environment. And results from genome sequencing confirmed that viruses obtained from raw pet food and infected cats were exactly the same.”
Northwest Naturals has issued a voluntary recall of 2-pound bags of Northwest Naturals Brand Feline Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food. The company is recalling 2-pound plastic bags specifically, stating: “Best if used within” Date: 21/05/26 B10 and 23/06/2026 B1 Product sold throughout the United States.
H5N1 bird flu has become a serious public health problem recently. Due to the ongoing outbreak in wild birds and poultry Including the emergence of H5N1 and other strains of bird flu. in dairy cows and other mammals this year.
if or early DecemberThis year, outbreaks of H5N1 in dairy cattle have occurred in 16 states. There have been more than 60 cases of H5N1 in humans in the United States. document In 2024, most involved contact with infected cattle or poultry. Cats are also caught in the crossfire. This year, there have been several bird flu outbreaks in both domestic and wild cats in zoos and sanctuaries. United States of America and somewhere else–
Most H5N1 infections in domestic cats can be traced back to cats drinking unpasteurized or contaminated raw milk. Live on a dairy farm or from drinking Products sold commercially– There are many studies indicating that raw milk can be Possible transmission routes To spread bird flu to humans as well. It already exists. Other recent cases of H5N1 in cats traced to raw food that was improperly pasteurized Although it appears to be the first case detected in the United States.
The good thing is, no other H5N1 cases have been linked to Oregon cats or pet food. (There has been one reported case of H5N1 in a person this year, although it has not been linked to a dairy cow or dairy.) On December 11, the Oregon Department of Agriculture announced it would test milk from every commercial dairy in the state. This is a measure to prevent the spread of bird flu. The decision comes after hundreds of confirmed bird flu cases in 16 states, including from dairy herds in Idaho, Nevada and California.
Although cases of H5N1 in humans this year are not yet very serious (yet no all) Some research indicates that H5N1 is especially dangerous to cats. And even more so are these viruses that spread between cows, cats, humans and other mammals. How much longer? The greater the risk of nightmare and pandemic strains emerging. which can spread rapidly between humans and cause widespread disease and death.
Oregon health officials say H5N1 isn't the only danger that can arise from eating raw foods. These products also have a high risk of containing other nasty germs such as: Salmonella– Listeriaand E. coli bacteria.