The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, in dairy cattle across the United States has raised concerns about the virus’s spread to other animals, including domestic cats. Initially detected in barn and feral cats, and subsequently in indoor cats and larger felines in zoos, the virus is now linked to a Pet Food Recall, highlighting a new and concerning exposure route for feline companions.
It was actually the deaths of barn cats at dairy farms that played a crucial role in the initial discovery of HPAI in dairy cattle, demonstrating the susceptibility of cats to this virus. Even prior to this dairy cattle outbreak, cases of H5N1 in cats were reported, primarily linked to contact with infected poultry or wild birds. Now, a troubling new source of infection has emerged: raw pet food containing poultry ingredients like duck, turkey, or chicken that are contaminated with the avian flu virus.
Urgent Pet Food Recall Due to H5N1 Contamination
In early December, Northwest Naturals, a pet food manufacturer, initiated a voluntary pet food recall for a specific batch of its 2-lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. This pet food recall was triggered after the product tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
This pet food recall by the Portland, Oregon-based company involves products marked with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The potentially contaminated pet food was widely distributed across multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as in British Columbia, Canada.
The link between the recalled pet food and feline illness became tragically clear when a house cat in Washington County succumbed to H5N1 after consuming the affected raw frozen pet food. Extensive testing conducted by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a genetic match between the virus found in the recalled pet food and the virus that infected the cat.
Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) State Veterinarian, stated with certainty, “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food. This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.” This reinforces the direct link between the pet food recall and the risk to cats.
While official statements from the USDA and FDA regarding this pet food recall are anticipated, the ODA collaborated closely with Northwest Naturals to implement this voluntary pet food recall. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are strongly advised to immediately stop feeding it to their pets and to ensure its safe disposal. Pet owners are also urged to closely monitor their cats for any unusual signs of illness and to seek immediate veterinary attention if any concerns arise.
Adding to the concern, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued a public warning on December 31, 2024, regarding another instance of H5N1 infection in a house cat. This cat, confirmed through laboratory testing to have H5N1, had also consumed raw pet food, this time from Monarch Raw Pet Food. Furthermore, four additional cats within the same household are presumed to have contracted the virus after consuming the same Monarch Raw Pet Food product, indicating a broader potential issue with raw pet food and avian flu. Monarch Raw Pet Food products were distributed and sold at farmers’ markets in various California locations.
The LACDPH is also actively investigating a separate incident involving four cats from a single household who tragically became ill and died after consuming raw unpasteurized milk. This highlights that raw dairy products, in addition to raw meat pet food, can also pose a risk of H5N1 transmission to cats.
Protecting Your Cat from Avian Flu and Understanding Pet Food Recalls
Recognizing the signs of H5N1 in cats is crucial for early detection and seeking timely veterinary care. Symptoms of avian flu in cats may include fever, lethargy, noticeable discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing or respiratory distress, and neurological issues. It’s important to note that the disease can progress rapidly in affected cats and can be fatal. When observing neurological signs in cats, rabies should also be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.
While the risk of human infection with H5N1 remains low, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices when handling raw pet food and taking personal protective measures when interacting with animals that are sick or deceased.
Veterinarians are advised to implement strict protocols to protect themselves and their staff, following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These protocols include utilizing hospital procedures for isolating and managing patients suspected of having zoonotic diseases.
Any cat suspected of having H5N1 should be promptly reported to state animal health officials, state public health veterinarians, or state veterinary diagnostic laboratories. These authorities can provide guidance on collecting and submitting samples for necessary testing.
To safeguard both human and animal health, state and federal experts strongly recommend avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat products, as well as unpasteurized dairy products.
Experts offer the following additional recommendations to minimize the risk of avian flu exposure:
- Minimize contact with animals that appear sick or are deceased.
- Keep cats indoors to limit their exposure to wild birds and other wildlife that may carry the virus.
- After any interaction with sick or dead animals that could potentially harbor the H5N1 virus, and importantly, before interacting with your cat, change clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin.
- Keep both pets and poultry away from wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of avian flu.
By staying informed about pet food recalls and taking preventative measures, pet owners can play a vital role in protecting their feline companions from the risks associated with avian influenza.
