Fox News Senior Correspondent Jonathan Serrie speaks to medical and agricultural experts about testing lactose and dairy cattle for avian flu.
The death of an Oregon domestic cat who became ill after eating raw pet food contaminated with bird flurecently triggered a nationwide recall.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) said Thursday that samples of 2-pound raw and frozen pet food from Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe tested positive for an H5N1 strain of the flu virus. highly pathogenic avian (HPAI).
Tests conducted by several U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratories in Oregon confirmed the presence of a domestic cat in Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after eating frozen raw pet food, according to an ODA news release.
Test tubes labeled “Bird Flu” and eggs are seen in this illustration. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Reuters Photos)
RARE HUMAN CASE OF HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN TEXAS
Testing confirmed a genetic match between the virus in raw and frozen pet foods and the infected cat, according to the ODA.
“We are confident that this cat contracted the H5N1 virus from eating Northwest Naturals raw, frozen pet food,” said ODA State Veterinarian Ryan Scholz. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and genome sequencing results confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and the infected cat were a match. exactly to each other.”
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who have had contact with the cat for flu symptoms, officials say.
A veterinarian examines a kitten with a stethoscope in a clinic. (iStock/iStock)
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. .
The product was sold nationwide through distributors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, PA, RI and WA in the United States and British Columbia in Canada , according to the ODA. Customers who purchased the recalled product should immediately throw it away and contact the place of purchase for a full refund.
Although Oregon reported one confirmed human case of HPAIno human cases have been linked to the incident, officials said.
laboratory tests on chickens (iStock/iStock)
Neighboring states such as Idaho, Nevada and California have reported HPAI cases in dairy cattle herds, contributing to more than 700 confirmed cases in 16 states nationwide, according to the ODA.
As a precautionary measure, the ministry announced earlier this month that it test the milk of all commercial dairies in the state.
DEF REQUIRES BIRD FLU TESTING ON MILK SUPPLY
Dairy products are being tested for bird flu as cases are confirmed across the country. (FOX/Fox News)
To prevent the spread of disease, experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products
- Avoid consuming raw dairy products
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash your hands after handling raw animal products or after coming into contact with sick or dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to the ODA at 503-986-4711.
- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl
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Northwest Naturals did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
