Avian Influenza Contaminates Pet Food, Cat Dies

A Maryland cat's death has been linked to a recalled batch of Northwest Naturals brand 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food, which tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The cat, found in Washington County, Oregon, had no known exposure to the virus aside from consuming the contaminated food, indicating a potential spillover from infected poultry. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the virus found in the cat matched that in the pet food. Morasch Meats, the company behind the product, has initiated a nationwide recall and is urging consumers to dispose of the affected food. Experts are warning against feeding pets raw diets, as they can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses, while commercial pet foods undergo heat treatment to eliminate such risks. The incident highlights growing concerns about avian influenza affecting domestic cats, with prior cases reported in other states.