ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent recall alert for a specific brand of raw and frozen pet food sold in the state after it tested positive for a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The product, identified as Northwest Naturals 2lb Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food, was linked to the death of a house cat in Washington County that contracted the H5N1 virus.
Testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) confirmed a genetic match between the virus found in the pet food and the infected cat.
Product Details
The recalled product is manufactured by Portland, Oregon-based Morasch Meats and sold under the Northwest Naturals brand. It is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags and marked with the following “Best if used by” dates:
- 05/21/26 B10
- 06/23/2026 B1
The product was distributed nationwide in states including Maryland, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as in British Columbia, Canada.
Instructions for Pet Owners
Pet owners are advised to immediately check their supplies for the recalled product. If identified, the pet food should be disposed of safely to avoid any potential exposure to HPAI.
For additional information or questions, customers can contact Troy Merriman of Morasch Meats at 503-257-9821, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
Health Concerns and HPAI Risks
HPAI poses a serious health risk to animals and, in rare cases, humans. While the virus primarily affects birds, domestic pets that consume contaminated food or come into contact with infected materials may contract the disease.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture advises pet owners to exercise caution when handling raw pet food products and to practice proper hygiene, including washing hands and disinfecting surfaces.
Nationwide Impact
The recall highlights concerns about raw pet food products and their potential to carry pathogens. Pet owners across the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly if they have recently purchased raw pet food from the affected brand.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
