A voluntary recall of raw and frozen cat food has been issued in Oregon after a cat that died of bird flu was linked to the product, according to state officials. The affected batch tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), putting pet owners on alert about potential health risks since raw food consumption can cause illness in animals. The Oregon agriculture department confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the pet food and the infected cat.
This cat was strictly an indoor cat and had no environmental exposure to the virus, confirming the link between Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food and transmission of H5N1, said Dr. Ryan Scholz. With a genomic sequencing that showed exact matches, the incident underscores the importance of food safety and monitoring for pet owners to prevent health risks associated with HPAI.
Oregon officials have advised against consuming raw or undercooked meat products for both people and pets, urging the public to limit contact with sick or dead animals. While there have been dozens of reported cases of H5N1 across the country, including a recent severe case in Louisiana, officials stress that the risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low in Oregon, indicating a need for caution.
As the H5N1 virus spreads among livestock, concerns have risen about its impact on the US food supply, prompting California's declaration of state emergency. With advances in wildlife and livestock interactions, public health officials continue to stress food safety and responsible ownership practices in preventing further outbreaks.
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