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Fox News Senior Correspondent Jonathan Serrie talks to medical and agricultural experts about testing lactose and dairy cows for bird flu.
Death of an Oregon domestic cat, which became ill after eating contaminated raw pet food bird fluHe recently caused national memory.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) on Thursday said samples of Northwest Naturals 2lb Turkey recipe raw & frozen pet food have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Tests by several laboratories of the US Department of Agriculture in Oregon confirmed the domestic cat Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after eating frozen pet food, according to the ODA.
Test tubes labeled “Bird flu” and eggs are seen in this photo. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Reuters Images)
RARE HUMAN CASE OF INTENSIVE INFLUENZA DEVELOPED IN TEXAS
Tests confirmed genetic similarities between the virus in raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat, according to the ODA.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating raw and frozen Northwest Naturals meat,” said Ryan Scholz, ODA state veterinarian. “This cat was an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and the results of the germline sequence confirmed that the virus from raw pet food and the infected cat were exactly the same.”
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and state officials are testing family members who came in contact with the cat for flu-like symptoms, according to officials.
A veterinarian examines a cat with a stethoscope at the clinic. (iStock/iStock)
Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon company, issued a voluntary recall of the food, which is packaged in two-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. .
The drugs were sold nationally 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 dispose of it immediately and contact the place of purchase for a full refund.
Although Oregon has claimed one for sure HPAI peopleNo civil charges have been filed in the incident, officials said.
laboratory testing of poultry (iStock/iStock)
Neighboring states like Idaho, Nevada, and California also reported HPAI cases on dairy farms, contributing to more than 700 cases in 16 states across the country, according to the ODA.
As a precautionary measure, the department announced earlier this month that it would milk test from every commercial dairy across the country.
FEDS MANDATE BIRD FLU TESTING OF MILK PROVIDER
Milk is being tested for bird flu because it has been confirmed across the country. (FOX/Fox News)
To prevent the spread of disease, experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat
- Avoid consuming raw milk
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash your hands after handling raw meat or after handling sick or dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
- Save livestock or poultry away from wild birds
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Northwest Naturals did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
