Oregon: cat dies after consuming raw food contaminated with H5N1 avian flu

Product recalled by Portland company due to risk of contamination

A tragic incident in Oregon led to the death of a domestic cat after it consumed a frozen raw food product that tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus. Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based company owned by Morasch Meats, promptly issued a nationwide voluntary recall for the contaminated batch.

Details of the recall and product distribution

The company announced the recall of ‘Feline Turkey Recipe’ product with an expiration date between May 21, 2026 and June 23, 2026. The product was sold in the United States in several states including Arizona, Washington, Rhode Island, Georgia, and Maryland, and also in British Columbia, Canada. The company urged consumers to dispose of the food involved in the recall. Although the product has not been issued by the FDA, Northwest Naturals is working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture on the recall.

Test results and confirmation of cat’s death

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) confirmed that the cat’s death was caused by consumption of raw food contaminated with the H5N1 virus. State veterinarian Ryan Scholz stressed that the cat was a house pet, with no exposure to outside sources of the virus. Genome sequencing tests showed that the virus found in the food and the cat was identical, confirming the cause of death.

Monitoring for human health risks

Local health authorities and the ODA are now monitoring people who lived with the cat for possible symptoms of avian influenza. However, so far, no human cases have been reported, and the risk of transmission to humans is said to be low. Authorities have reassured the public, although the case has attracted international media attention.

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