A leading pet food manufacturer has initiated a recall of its raw frozen turkey recipe product after tests confirmed the presence of avian flu. The affected items are 2-pound bags of Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food, which were distributed across multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington. This precautionary measure comes in response to a concerning incident where an indoor cat in Oregon tragically passed away after consuming the contaminated product. Health authorities have advised pet owners to avoid feeding their animals raw or undercooked meat products to prevent potential exposure to the virus.

Avian Flu Detected in Raw Frozen Pet Food Leads to Nationwide Recall

In a significant development, Northwest Naturals, a well-known pet food brand, has announced a voluntary recall of its Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food following the detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The recalled batches, marked with "best if used by" dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, were sold in various regions of the United States. The situation gained urgency when an indoor cat in Oregon succumbed to the illness after ingesting the contaminated food. Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, confirmed that genome sequencing results matched the virus found in both the pet food and the deceased cat, leaving no doubt about the source of infection.

Pet owners who have purchased these specific batches are urged to dispose of the product safely and seek a refund from the retailer. Health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding raw or undercooked meat products to protect pets from potential contamination. Additionally, caution is advised against offering raw milk to animals due to similar health risks.

From a journalist's perspective, this incident underscores the critical need for stringent quality control measures in the pet food industry. It highlights the potential dangers of feeding raw diets to pets and serves as a stark reminder for consumers to stay informed about product recalls and safety advisories. The tragedy in Oregon serves as a poignant example of how vigilance can save lives, emphasizing the importance of adhering to health guidelines and promptly addressing any signs of illness in pets.