Incident Overview
A house cat in Washington County, Oregon, tragically passed away after contracting bird flu from consuming raw pet food. The food, which was part of the Northwest Naturals brand, was linked to a voluntary recall issued by Morasch Meats of Portland on Christmas Eve. The recall specifically affects the two-pound feline turkey recipe, which tested positive for the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
Investigations and Findings
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, after conducting investigations, confirmed that the cat, a strictly indoor pet, contracting bird flu from the raw food. Dr. Ryan Scholz, the state veterinarian, explained that there was no possibility of the cat being exposed to the virus in its environment, emphasizing the link between the illness and the contaminated food. Genetic testing revealed a match between the virus found in the food and the infected cat, further supporting this conclusion.
Authorities have taken immediate action, and the Oregon Health Authority, along with local public health officials, is monitoring anyone who had close contact with the cat for signs of illness. As of now, no human cases have been reported.
Public Health Warning and Recall Information
In response to the situation, the state issued an alert urging pet owners to check their supplies for the affected food. The recalled product is packaged in two-pound plastic bags and is labeled with “Best if Used By” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The product was sold nationally by Morasch Meats, based in Portland. Pet owners are strongly advised to dispose of any remaining product to prevent further risk to pets.
To prevent the spread of avian influenza, officials from both state and federal agencies have issued guidelines. These include avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and raw dairy, minimizing contact with sick or dead animals, and reporting any instances of sick or dead birds to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The department can be reached at 503-986-4711 for those wishing to report incidents.
