A Portland-based pet food manufacturer, Northwest Naturals, has issued an urgent recall of its raw frozen cat food after an indoor cat died from bird flu linked to consuming the product. The recall spans 12 states and parts of Canada.
The company's two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe tested positive for H5N1 (bird flu virus), triggering immediate action. The affected products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and British Columbia, Canada.
Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon State University confirmed the direct connection between the cat's death and the contaminated pet food. Genome sequencing showed an exact match between the virus in the food and the deceased cat.
"This cat was strictly an indoor cat," stated Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian. "It was not exposed to the virus in its environment."
The recalled products can be identified by their "best if used by" dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Consumers who purchased these items should dispose of them immediately and contact their retailer for a refund.
While no human cases have been linked to this specific incident, health officials are monitoring individuals who had contact with the infected cat. The Oregon Department of Agriculture reminds pet owners that raw meat can harbor dangerous pathogens, which can be eliminated through thorough cooking.
This recall comes amid broader concerns about bird flu in the United States, where over 60 people across eight states have reported infections. Recently, Louisiana reported the nation's first severe human case requiring hospitalization.
Pet owners seeking additional information about the recall can contact Northwest Naturals directly.