Portland, Oregon – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified in two raw pet food products in Portland, resulting in several infected cats and one death. This alarming discovery has raised concerns among public health officials as they investigate more potential cases of H5 bird flu in cats as of December 24, 2024.
Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, voluntarily recalled its 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after testing positive for H5 bird flu. The contaminated product, packaged in a blue-colored plastic bag with specific expiration dates, was distributed in multiple states across the United States and in British Columbia, Canada. This revelation came after a cat in Washington County, Oregon, died from H5N1 after consuming the tainted pet food, prompting further investigations by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University.
According to state veterinarian Ryan Scholz, DVM, MPH, the genetic match between the virus found in the pet food and the infected cat confirmed that the feline contracted H5N1 from consuming the contaminated product. The Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a release advising consumers to discard the recalled product immediately and contact the retailer for a refund. Northwest Naturals provided contact information for customers seeking further assistance or information.
In a separate incident, H5 bird flu was also detected in Monarch Raw Pet Food product samples, prompting warnings from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. After confirming H5 bird flu in a house cat that consumed the product, the department urged residents to refrain from feeding their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food. The company, however, released a statement asserting the safety of their product and their adherence to stringent quality and safety standards.
Meanwhile, additional cases of bird flu in cats are under investigation by LA County health officials. Reports indicate confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in multiple felines that consumed raw milk contaminated with the virus, resulting in illness and death. The state health department is exploring potential cases of H5 bird flu in other household cats and has published guidance for veterinary practices handling suspect cases. The link between raw pet food consumption and H5 bird flu cases in cats continues to be a concern, prompting ongoing investigations and precautions to mitigate further risks.