Nationwide Recall of Pet Food Over Bird Flu Risk: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Nationwide Recall of Pet Food Over Bird Flu Risk: What Pet Owners Need to Know

A recent recall of Northwest Naturals frozen raw turkey recipe for cats has raised concerns over avian influenza (H5N1) contamination in pet food. The product, which was sold in 12 states, including Georgia, California, and Florida, was voluntarily pulled from shelves after testing positive for the virus. While the recall only affects certain lots of the 2-pound packages with expiration dates in 2026, it has highlighted the potential risks of feeding raw pet food, especially when it is sourced from animals potentially exposed to bird flu.

The Oregon-based company, Northwest Naturals, issued the recall after Oregon's Department of Agriculture confirmed that a cat had contracted bird flu after consuming the tainted food. While no human infections have been linked to this specific recall, the CDC has reported that over 60 people across eight states have tested positive for H5N1, with most cases being mild. However, the virus can cause severe illness in rare cases, as evidenced by the first hospitalized case in Louisiana.

Key Details of the Recall

Affected Product: Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Turkey Recipe (2 pounds)
States Affected: Georgia, California, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and others
Expiration Dates: May 21, 2026, to June 23, 2026
Refund Information: Consumers who purchased the recalled product can obtain a full refund from the retailer.

No Human Infections, But Vigilance Is Key

Although health authorities have confirmed no human infections from this particular pet food, the Oregon Health Authority is advising people who may have been in close contact with infected cats to monitor for flu-like symptoms. The CDC continues to track bird flu cases, noting that while most people infected with H5N1 experience mild symptoms, the virus can lead to severe illness in rare instances.

What Can Pet Owners Do?

Pet owners who have purchased the recalled product should take immediate action by returning it to the point of purchase for a full refund. In addition to returning the product, owners should closely monitor their pets for any signs of illness, especially if their pet has consumed the recalled food.

For those concerned about bird flu risks, experts recommend being cautious about raw pet food products, ensuring they are purchased from reliable sources, and following guidelines on food safety and pet care.

Conclusion

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety in pet care, particularly when it comes to raw or frozen pet foods. While bird flu transmission to humans remains rare, pet owners should take necessary precautions to keep their pets and themselves safe from potential exposure.

A pet food product from Northwest Naturals has been recalled across several U.S. states due to a potential bird flu risk. The affected product, a 2-pound frozen raw turkey recipe for cats, tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1) and was sold in 12 states, including Georgia, California, Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

The recall was initiated after the Oregon-based company discovered the contamination. Health authorities confirmed that a cat had been infected with H5N1 after consuming the contaminated food. The product affected by the recall has expiration dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, and affected customers can receive a full refund.

While no human infections have been reported, Oregon health officials are monitoring individuals who may have come into close contact with infected cats. As of now, over 60 people across 8 states have tested positive for bird flu, though most symptoms have been mild. However, Louisiana reported the first case of a severe infection requiring hospitalization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also be transmitted to mammals, including cats and humans. The strain mentioned in this case, H5N1, can be particularly dangerous to animals and humans, though human infections are rare.

2. How does bird flu spread to pets?
Bird flu can spread to pets through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected animals. In this case, a cat contracted the virus after eating contaminated frozen raw pet food.

3. What should pet owners do if they purchased the recalled product?
Pet owners who have purchased the affected Northwest Naturals product are advised to return it to the retailer for a full refund. They should also monitor their pets for any signs of illness and seek veterinary advice if necessary.

4. Are humans at risk of contracting bird flu from pets?
While there have been no human infections linked to this particular pet food, bird flu is known to be transmissible from animals to humans in rare cases. People who have had close contact with infected animals should monitor for flu-like symptoms and consult healthcare providers if needed.

5. What precautions should pet owners take to prevent exposure to bird flu?
Pet owners should ensure that their pets' food and water come from safe sources, avoid exposure to potentially infected birds, and follow any relevant health advisories. For raw pet food, it's important to purchase products from reputable sources that adhere to health and safety standards.

#PetFoodRecall #BirdFlu #PetHealth #RawPetFood #AvianInfluenza

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