An Oregon-based pet food company, Northwest Naturals, has issued a voluntary recall following a troubling incident involving one of its products. A domestic cat reportedly died after consuming the company’s “2lb Feline Turkey Recipe” raw frozen pet food, which later tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly known as bird flu.
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Details of the Recalled Product
The recall, announced on December 24, affects a specific batch of Northwest Naturals 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The recalled product is sold in two-pound plastic bags and can be identified by the following “best by” dates:
- 05/21/26 B10
- 06/23/26 B1
These details can be found on the back of the package. The product was distributed in the United States and parts of British Columbia, Canada.
Northwest Naturals Issues a Statement
“Our hearts go out to the pet owner,” the company stated on its website. The contamination was confirmed after testing conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, prompted by the cat’s veterinarian.
The recall notice emphasizes:
“Consumption of raw or uncooked pet food contaminated with HPAI can cause illness in animals. To date, one case of illness in a domestic cat has been reported in connection with this issue.”
The contamination is believed to originate from the turkey used in the affected batch. The company is working closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
What Should Pet Owners Do?
If your cat consumed the recalled product, take the following steps immediately:
- Contact your veterinarian: Seek medical advice and monitor your pet closely for symptoms of illness.
- Stop using the product: Do not feed the recalled pet food to your cat or other animals.
- Dispose of the product safely: Follow disposal instructions provided on the recall notice or the Northwest Naturals website.
What Is Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)?
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a respiratory virus that spreads through contact with infected birds, their saliva, or feces. Similar to human influenza, it can also be transmitted via aerosol droplets.
Although rare in pets, HPAI contamination in pet food can pose serious risks to animals. Northwest Naturals continues to investigate how the virus infiltrated the turkey used in the affected product.
Commitment to Safety
Northwest Naturals has reassured customers of its commitment to resolving the issue:
“We are working closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and other experts to identify and eliminate H5N1 from pet food.”
This voluntary recall highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between pet food manufacturers and regulatory agencies to ensure pet safety.
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Final Thoughts
Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls to protect their furry companions. For additional details, visit the Northwest Naturals website or contact the company directly.
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