The ODA reported that tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 after eating Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said Ryan Scholz, ODA state veterinarian.
“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.”
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who came into contact with the cat for flu symptoms, according to officials.
Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon-based company, has issued a voluntary recall for the food, which is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 5/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1.
According to the ODA, the product was sold nationwide through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington in the United States, as well as British Columbia in Canada. Customers who purchased the recalled product should discard it immediately and contact the store for a full refund.
Although Oregon has reported one confirmed human case of HPAI, officials say no other cases have been linked to the incident.
According to the ODA, neighboring states such as Idaho, Nevada, and California reported HPAI cases in dairy cattle herds, adding to the total of over 700 confirmed cases in 16 states.
As a precautionary measure, the department announced earlier this month that it would test milk from every commercial dairy in the state.
To avoid the spread of disease, experts strongly advise people and pets to:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products
- Avoid consuming raw dairy
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick or dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl