
Cat Food Contaminated with H5N1
The FDA has launched an investigation following reports of over a dozen cats falling ill or dying due to exposure to the avian influenza virus.
FDA Investigates Cat Deaths Linked to H5N1 Exposure from Raw Pet Food
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated an investigation following reports of over a dozen cats falling ill or dying due to exposure to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, potentially linked to raw pet food consumption. Cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Tracing the exact source of contamination may take several weeks.
Incidents and Product Recalls
In December 2024, Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, issued a voluntary recall of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for H5N1. The recall affected products with "best if used by" dates between May 21 and June 23, 2026, distributed nationwide and in parts of Canada. This action was prompted by the death of a house cat in Oregon that had consumed the contaminated product.
Similarly, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that an indoor cat became acutely ill—later confirmed with H5N1—after eating three different brands of commercially available raw pet food. An investigation is underway, with the FDA testing samples from the raw pet food.
FDA's Response and Recommendations
In response to these incidents, the FDA has determined that manufacturers of cat and dog foods using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle must reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. This measure aims to prevent further transmission of the virus through contaminated pet food.
Pet owners are advised to avoid feeding their pets raw or undercooked meats and unpasteurized dairy products, as these can be vectors for the H5N1 virus. Symptoms of H5N1 infection in cats include loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory distress, and neurological signs. If such symptoms are observed, it is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.
Broader Implications
These cases highlight the risks associated with feeding pets raw diets, particularly those containing poultry products. The detection of H5N1 in raw pet foods underscores the need for stringent safety protocols in pet food production and increased awareness among pet owners regarding the potential dangers of raw feeding practices.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and consult with veterinarians to ensure the health and safety of their animals.
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