Cat dies from bird flu after eating recalled pet food

In Oregon, a house cat was reported to have died following the consumption of a raw frozen pet food product that tested positive for H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. Authorities connected the cat's illness with Northwest Naturals' pet food, leading to a voluntary recall of two-pound packages of the Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen food, dated for 'best if used by' May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The cat was known to be strictly an indoor pet, which indicated that it did not have outside exposure to the virus and that the contamination likely stemmed directly from the pet food itself. Genetic testing confirmed an exact match between the virus found in the deceased cat and that in the recalled food, reinforcing this link. Consequently, both the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Northwest Naturals urged consumers to dispose of the affected product immediately and seek refunds. Although no human infections have been directly connected to this incident, monitoring of individuals who had contact with the cat has been initiated. This situation is part of a broader concern, as H5N1 has a history of being particularly dangerous to felines, and there have been other reported outbreaks, including significant losses of exotic cats in a Washington sanctuary due to the virus. Apart from Oregon, California has also reported unusual cat deaths linked to avian flu and has declared a state of emergency over the ongoing outbreak, particularly affecting cattle herds and humans. Health officials continue to evaluate the risks H5N1 presents to both wildlife and domestic animals, as well as potential spillover risks to humans. Authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health while educating pet owners on the potential risks associated with feeding raw or undercooked animal products.