A public health alert has been issued by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Agriculture after two cats in Multnomah County, Oregon, tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The cats were euthanized due to severe illness after consuming the same brand of raw pet food. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food samples.
The affected lot numbers are #22660 and #22664, with a Best By Date of 12/2025. Pet owners who use these products are advised to check their packaging and cease feeding them if they match the affected lots. Cooking the product can help kill potential pathogens.
Cats, domestic and wild species alike, are particularly sensitive to H5N1 avian influenza. While dogs can also contract the virus, they are less susceptible than cats. The FDA has issued a requirement for pet food manufacturers to reanalyze their safety plans to include HPAI as a potential hazard.
The Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of HPAI in pet food. They have increased surveillance sampling and inspections, and will continue to monitor product quality. Pet owners are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of influenza in animals to the ODA.
Source: https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-and-washington-warn-pet-owners-after-avian-flu-found-in-cats-linked-to-raw-pet-food