The death of a house cat in Oregon and a subsequent pet food recall have sparked concerns about the ongoing bird flu outbreak and how pet owners can protect their animals.
Bird flu, which has been affecting wild birds, chickens, turkeys, and other animals for years, was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March. The virus has caused occasional, mostly mild illnesses in people, with nearly all cases linked to individuals working on dairy or poultry farms. To control its spread, authorities cull all birds on a farm where the virus is detected.
Oregon health officials traced the illness of the house cat to frozen pet food containing raw turkey. The same strain of the virus was found in both the recalled pet food and the infected cat.
While some pet owners choose to feed their animals raw meat, experts caution that this can be risky, even fatal. Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, emphasized that cooking meat or pasteurizing raw milk eliminates the bird flu virus and other harmful germs. “Raw milk and raw meat products can be and are a vector for carrying this virus,” he said.
Though human infections are rare, cats appear particularly susceptible to the bird flu virus, particularly the H5N1 strain. Even before the outbreak in cattle, several feline cases were linked to contact with wild birds or poultry. Since March, dozens of cats, including barn and feral cats, indoor pets, and even zoo and wild big cats, have contracted the virus.
In Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health is investigating the deaths of four house cats that consumed recalled raw milk. While dogs seem less vulnerable, Dr. Bailey recommends that they, too, should only consume thoroughly cooked food.
To protect cats, owners should avoid giving them unpasteurized dairy products or raw meat. They should also prevent their cats from coming into contact with wild birds, livestock, and poultry. Dr. Bailey advises against allowing cats to roam freely outdoors, as they are natural hunters and may come into contact with infected birds.
Pet owners should also take care when handling sick or dead birds. Washing hands thoroughly after handling poultry or animals is essential.
Signs of bird flu in cats may include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, reddened or inflamed eyes, nasal or eye discharge, breathing difficulties, tremors, or seizures. If a cat shows any of these symptoms, Dr. Bailey recommends contacting a veterinary clinic immediately and isolating the sick animal from others, especially those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the contamination, Northwest Naturals, a pet food company in Portland, Oregon, announced a voluntary recall of one batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the bird flu virus. The product was sold in several states, including Arizona, California, and Florida, as well as in Canada’s British Columbia.
The recalled food has “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Consumers are urged to dispose of the product and contact the place of purchase for a refund.
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