A home cat in Washington County contracted fowl flu and died after consuming Northwest Naturals uncooked frozen pet meals, in keeping with the Oregon Division of Agriculture.
The state issued an alert Christmas Eve about Morasch Meats of Portland’s voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals’ two-pound feline turkey recipe.
State veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz mentioned the agriculture division is assured the cat contracted the virus by consuming the uncooked pet meals.
“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not uncovered to the virus in its setting,” Scholz mentioned in an announcement.
The meals examined constructive for an H5N1 pressure of the avian influenza virus, and exams confirmed a genetic match between the virus within the uncooked and frozen pet meals and the contaminated cat, in keeping with Scholz.
The Oregon Well being Authority and native public well being officers are monitoring the family members who had contact with the cat for potential flu signs. Thus far, no human instances have been linked to the contaminated cat.
The recalled meals is packaged in two-pound plastic luggage with “Finest if Utilized by,” dates of Might 21, 2026 and June, 23, 2026.
Morasch Meats, a Portland-based firm, offered the meals nationwide.
Pet homeowners are urged to verify their provides and eliminate the product.
To keep away from the unfold of the illness, state and federal officers encourage individuals and their pets to keep away from consuming uncooked or undercooked meat, uncooked dairy, restrict contact with sick or lifeless animals and report sick or lifeless birds to the Oregon Division of Agriculture at 503-986-4711.
— Maxine Bernstein covers federal court docket and legal justice. Attain her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, comply with her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn.
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