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-Editorial
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) has issued a strong advisory to residents against feeding pets raw food, following the detection of the H5 bird flu virus in Northwest Naturals’ 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food. The advisory comes after the Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed that a house cat contracted H5 bird flu and died after consuming the recalled product. This development has prompted a voluntary recall of the product, which is distributed in California and other states.
The affected products are packaged in two-pound plastic bags and labeled with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Public health officials urge pet owners to immediately dispose of these products to prevent further risk. A complete list of retailers selling the product is available on the manufacturer’s website.
Public health investigations have revealed additional cases of H5 bird flu in house cats that consumed raw milk or other raw food products. Four cats reportedly fell ill and died after consuming raw milk contaminated with the virus. Symptoms in infected cats range from neurological and respiratory issues to liver failure, often progressing rapidly to death. LADPH is also investigating three additional suspected cases of H5 bird flu in cats from a separate household, one of which has tested positive for Influenza A—a rare finding in cats. Two other cats in this household, which died following severe respiratory symptoms, are presumed to have been infected. These cases highlight the potential risks associated with raw meat and dairy products, which can harbor harmful pathogens, including H5 bird flu.
H5 bird flu primarily affects wild and domestic birds but has increasingly been detected in mammals, including seals, foxes, cows, and cats. The virus is highly contagious among animals, and recent outbreaks have raised concerns about its spread to humans. LADPH confirmed the first human case of H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County in an individual exposed to infected livestock. While human-to-human transmission has not been reported, the virus can cause severe illness in people, with symptoms ranging from respiratory issues to gastrointestinal distress.
For pets, the risks are significant. Symptoms of H5 bird flu in cats include appetite loss, fatigue, respiratory distress, and neurological impairments. Veterinarians advise immediate medical attention if pets show these signs after consuming raw food.
LADPH is collaborating with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to disseminate information to key stakeholders, including farmers, meat processors, and backyard flock owners. Protective measures such as gloves, masks, and flu vaccines are being provided to high-risk groups. Public health officials recommend avoiding all raw meat and dairy products for both humans and pets to minimize exposure to pathogens like H5 bird flu.
The recall and related public health investigations underscore the broader risks of raw food consumption. Experts emphasize that raw dairy and meat products can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, posing risks to both animal and human health. The recent spread of H5 bird flu among dairy cattle and its detection in raw milk products further heighten these concerns.
Pet owners who suspect their pets may have consumed the recalled product or any raw meat and are noticing symptoms should contact a veterinarian immediately. Disposing of raw food products safely is essential to prevent further exposure.
The overall risk to the public remains low, but vigilance is critical. LADPH continues to monitor the situation and provide updates to protect public health and animal
