EL CAJON, Calif. — Savage Pet is recalling approximately 140 boxes of its raw chicken cat food products due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.
The recall affects 66 Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz.) and 74 Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz.) with the lot code/best by date of 11152026. The affected products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.
New York City health officials this week urged consumers to avoid Savage Pet products because of the cats’ illnesses.
One cat fell ill and died this month after eating the Savage Pet products. Final test results are pending, but a preliminary test for H5N1 was “nonnegative,” which indicates that a certain amount of virus was detected, a department spokesperson said.
A second cat was diagnosed with H5N1 and died — and tests suggested it was infected with a strain related to that found in the recalled Savage Pet food. However, that cat did not eat the food; it was exposed to a third cat that fell ill after eating the food from the implicated lot. That cat survived but was not tested.
The recall is the latest in recent months tied to products potentially contaminated with the virus that has sickened and killed cats in several states.
Earlier this month, Wild Coast Raw, of Olympia, Washington, recalled frozen boneless raw chicken cat food after it was linked to illnesses and deaths in cats in 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 and was linked to the death of a local cat.
Health officials advise cat owners to monitor their pets for symptoms including fever, lethargy, low appetite, eye inflammation, discharge, breathing difficulties, and neurological signs such as tremors or seizures. Seek veterinary care immediately if such symptoms appear.
No human infections have been reported from handling raw pet food products, but health authorities warn that humans can become infected if live virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. People who have handled the recalled products should watch for symptoms such as eye irritation, cough, sore throat, fever, and respiratory difficulties.
The recalled products are packaged in cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with the lot code stamped on the bottom of the box and on each packet. Consumers are urged to return the products to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund.
For more information, consumers can contact Savage Pet at [email protected] or by calling 619-270-0295.