Northwest Naturals, an Oregon-based pet meals firm, is recalling a batch of its two pound (one kilogram) Feline Turkey Recipe uncooked frozen pet meals after a cat that died of H5N1 avian influenza was linked to the product.
The recalled pet meals was offered in British Columbia and several other American states — together with Oregon, Washington and California — and lists the most effective earlier than dates as between Might 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, the Portland firm mentioned in a press launch on Tuesday.
The U.S. Division of Agriculture confirmed one home cat in Washington County, Ore., turned contaminated with H5N1 and died after consuming the pet meals, the Oregon Division of Agriculture (ODA) mentioned in a press launch on Thursday.
“We’re assured that this cat contracted H5N1 by consuming the Northwest Naturals uncooked and frozen pet meals,” mentioned ODA State Veterinarian Ryan Scholz. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not uncovered to the virus in its surroundings.”
The Oregon Well being Authority mentioned, as of Thursday, there aren’t any human instances of an infection associated to this pet meals, and the chance of transmission to people stays low.
Well being Canada didn’t instantly reply to request for remark. As of 1 p.m. PT on Thursday, it has not issued a recall for the meals.
The H5N1 type of avian influenza stays a virus primarily present in birds, however in 2024 it was reported in mammals like cattle and, in remoted incidents, in goats and one pig.
Whereas human infections are uncommon, Health Canada says signs can vary from delicate to extreme, probably resulting in pneumonia or organ failure.
It recommends staying away from wild birds, avoiding contact with contaminated animals and washing your palms after being in an space the place birds and different wildlife are nesting.
The nationwide well being division additionally recommends holding pets away from birds, wildlife and their feces.
Final month, B.C. health officials said one teenager was in essential situation after contracting the virus.
It isn’t clear how the teenager turned contaminated, however a B.C. Centre for Illness Management investigation discovered no further instances or proof of human-to-human transmission.
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