A pet food company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, has initiated a voluntary recall of its raw frozen cat food following the tragic death of a cat that consumed the contaminated product. The 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe was found to contain the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly referred to as "bird flu." State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz confirmed that genome sequencing results matched the virus strain found in both the raw pet food and the deceased feline, which had no outdoor exposure.

Bird Flu Outbreak: Protect Your Pet's Health Today

Understanding the Risks of Raw Pet Food

The dangers associated with feeding raw or uncooked pet food have come under scrutiny after a recent incident involving a cat in Oregon. This particular case highlights the potential for serious health risks when pets consume contaminated products. Experts emphasize that raw food can harbor harmful pathogens, such as the HPAI virus, leading to severe illness or even death in animals. To ensure pet safety, veterinarians recommend avoiding raw or undercooked meat and dairy products. The risk is not limited to just cats; any animal consuming these items could be susceptible to infection. Furthermore, pet owners should exercise caution by thoroughly washing their hands after handling raw animal products and keeping pets away from wild waterfowl to minimize exposure to potential carriers of the virus.

Recall Details and Affected Areas

Northwest Naturals, the manufacturer of the recalled cat food, has taken swift action to address the situation. The specific batch of Feline Turkey Recipe implicated in the incident includes 2-pound plastic bags marked with "Best if used by" dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Consumers who purchased this product are advised to discard it immediately and seek a full refund from the retailer.The affected product was distributed across several states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington. Northwest Naturals has established a dedicated customer service line at info@nw-naturals.net and by phone at 866-637-1872, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST, to assist concerned customers with any questions or concerns.

Preventing Disease Transmission

In light of this outbreak, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued guidelines to prevent the spread of disease. One of the key recommendations is to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, as they may carry infectious agents like the HPAI virus. Additionally, pet owners should practice strict hygiene measures, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling raw animal products or coming into contact with potentially infected animals.Experts also advise keeping pets and poultry away from wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of the bird flu virus. By adhering to these preventive measures, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission and protect the health of their animals. Vigilance and proactive steps are crucial in safeguarding against future outbreaks and ensuring the well-being of pets.

Impact on Consumer Trust and Industry Standards

This recall raises important questions about consumer trust in pet food manufacturers and the need for stringent quality control measures. Companies must prioritize safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure that their products meet rigorous health standards. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry to reevaluate its practices and implement more robust safeguards.Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of choosing safe and reliable pet food brands. Transparency and accountability from manufacturers play a vital role in maintaining consumer confidence. Moving forward, pet food companies should invest in advanced testing methods and adhere to strict guidelines to prevent similar incidents and protect the health of beloved pets.