Recent Recall of Raw Chicken Pet Food Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

A Growing Concern for Pet Owners Across the U.S.

In recent weeks, pet owners in the United States have been faced with a growing health concern as raw pet food products have been linked to outbreaks of the H5N1 bird flu virus. A California-based pet food company, Savage Pet, has issued a recall of its raw chicken products after they were tied to bird flu infections in two cats and suspected in a third in New York City. This incident is part of a larger trend, as the H5N1 virus has been spreading rapidly across the country, affecting not only cats but also poultry and dairy cattle. The virus has also caused illnesses in at least 70 people, highlighting the potential risks to both animals and humans.

The recall by Savage Pet involves a specific lot of raw chicken products, including both large and small chicken boxes. These products, which are packaged in individual plastic bags inside cardboard boxes, were distributed in several states, including California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Consumers have been urged to avoid the recalled products, which have a lot code and best-by date of 11152026, due to the potential contamination with the H5N1 virus.

Tragic Cases in New York City Highlight the Severity of the Outbreak

The recall was prompted after two cats in New York City fell ill and died from H5N1 infections. One of the cats had consumed the recalled Savage Pet products, and preliminary tests indicated the presence of the virus. While the final test results are still pending, health officials have already sounded the alarm, warning consumers about the dangers of feeding their pets raw or unpasteurized products.

A second cat in New York City also died from H5N1, but interestingly, this cat had not directly consumed the contaminated food. Instead, it appears to have been exposed to a third cat that had eaten the implicated products and subsequently fell ill. While the third cat survived the infection, it was not tested for the virus. These cases underscore how easily the virus can spread, not only through direct contact with contaminated food but also through secondary contact with infected animals.

Bird Flu in Cats: A Widespread Issue Across the U.S.

The incidents in New York City are not isolated. Since 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported at least 115 cases of bird flu infections in domestic cats, with the majority of these cases occurring since 2024. Cats can contract the virus through exposure to wildlife, contaminated food, or even unpasteurized milk. The H5N1 virus has proven to be highly contagious and deadly for cats, and pet owners are being urged to take extra precautions to protect their pets.

Earlier this month, another pet food company, Wild Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington, issued a recall of its frozen boneless raw chicken cat food after it was linked to illnesses and deaths in cats in Oregon and Washington. Similarly, 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 connected to the death of a local cat. These recalls highlight the growing need for stricter safety measures in the production and distribution of raw pet food products.

Expert Advice: Avoiding Raw Pet Food to Prevent Infection

Veterinary experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers of feeding pets raw or unpasteurized products. Dr. Jarra Jagne, a veterinary expert at Cornell University, has strongly advised pet owners to avoid feeding their animals unpasteurized milk or raw pet food due to the risk of bird flu and other harmful pathogens like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. “I wouldn’t give my animals raw anything,” she emphasized. “It’s all about cooking.”

Cooking pet food can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and infection, as heat effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including the H5N1 virus. While some pet owners believe that raw diets are healthier for their pets, the risks associated with these products far outweigh any perceived benefits. Pet owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarians to determine the safest and most nutritious diet for their pets.

The Broader Implications of the Bird Flu Outbreak

The recent bird flu outbreak has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only cats but also poultry, dairy cattle, and even humans. At least 70 people in the U.S. have fallen ill with H5N1 infections, further emphasizing the potential for this virus to impact public health. While the majority of human cases have been linked to exposure to infected birds or contaminated products, the fact that the virus is spreading among domestic cats adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

As the outbreak continues to evolve, pet owners, farmers, and public health officials must remain vigilant. The recall of contaminated pet food products is an important step in mitigating the spread of the virus, but it is only part of the solution. Pet owners must take responsibility for ensuring that their pets are fed safe and healthy diets, while386