A California pet food maker, Savage Pet, has announced a recall of its raw chicken products after they were linked to bird flu infections in two cats, with a third case suspected in New York City. This recall is part of a troubling trend in recent months, where products potentially contaminated with the virus have resulted in illness and fatalities among cats across several states. The bird flu outbreak has also affected poultry and dairy cattle in the U.S., resulting in illnesses in at least 70 people.
Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, California, recalled one lot of large and small chicken boxes this week due to potential contamination with the Type A H5N1 influenza virus. The recalled products come in cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packages, and the affected lot is marked with the code and best-by date of 11152026. These products were distributed across several states, including California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
In light of the recent illnesses, New York City health officials have advised consumers to refrain from using Savage Pet products. One cat tragically fell ill and died this month after consuming the recalled products. While final test results are still pending, a preliminary test for H5N1 returned “nonnegative,” suggesting that traces of the virus were detected, according to a spokesperson from the city’s health department.
A second cat diagnosed with H5N1 also passed away; however, it did not consume the Savage Pet food but was exposed to another cat that fell ill after eating the recalled products. This particular cat survived but was not tested. These incidents in New York City are part of a broader concern, with at least 115 reported cases of bird flu infections in domestic cats to the U.S. Agriculture Department since 2022, with a significant increase in cases observed since 2024. Cats can contract the virus through exposure to wildlife or contaminated food and milk.
Earlier this month, another company, Wild Coast Raw of Olympia, recalled frozen boneless raw chicken cat food after it was associated with illnesses and deaths in cats across Oregon and Washington. In December, Morasch Meats of Portland, Oregon, recalled its Northwest Naturals brand of raw and frozen turkey pet food after it tested positive for the virus, which was linked to the death of a local cat.
Veterinary expert Dr. Jarra Jagne from Cornell University has urged pet owners to avoid feeding their animals unpasteurized milk or raw pet food due to the risk of bird flu and other harmful germs such as salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. “I wouldn’t give my animals raw anything,” she stated. “It’s all about cooking.”
This alarming situation underscores the importance of vigilance among pet owners regarding the safety of pet food products. Regular updates from health officials and adherence to recommended guidelines can help mitigate the risks associated with the bird flu and ensure the well-being of pets across the country.
