The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued urgent warnings for pet owners following the recall of two cat food brands due to contamination fears linked to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. This latest alert concerns certain lots of Savage Pet’s raw chicken cat food and Wild Coast’s Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, heightening concerns over bird flu cases detected among pets.
On March 15, 2025, Savage Pet announced the recall of their large and small chicken boxes, affecting 66 large 84-ounce boxes and 74 small 21-ounce boxes. These products were distributed across five states: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The recalled products carry the lot code 11152026, which also serves as the best-by date. The FDA previously notified pet owners of similar concerns with Wild Coast, whose frozen chicken formula was also taken off the market earlier this month.
This recalls sparked after instances of cats contracting bird flu were confirmed. Savage Pet first learned of the issue last February when one cat became ill but recovered. On March 13, another kitten from New York was noted to have contracted the virus, spurring increased scrutiny. People who fed cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened eyes, and difficulty breathing, as stated by WJW.
While the risk of transmission from cats to humans remains low, prolonged exposure to infected animals could pose threats. Symptoms of infection for humans might include conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms such as cough and headaches. Pet owners who notice any signs of illness should contact their veterinarian immediately. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death, warned the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), stressing the need for monitoring.
Both Savage Pet and Wild Coast recommend returning any affected product to the retailer for full refunds. They advise consumers to avoid feeding their pets the recalled food or donating it, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal for safety reasons.
Notably, the recalls come on the heels of the re-emergence of HPAI H5N1 affecting not just cats but various bird species, prompting heightened vigilance. The FDA’s concern arises from the fact over 70 felines have reportedly been infected with H5N1 since 2022, often linked to exposure to contaminated poultry or wild birds.
With the recent wave of recalls, pet owners are urged to reconsider their feeding choices. Vets strongly recommend sticking to safer, conventional pet food options rather than raw diets, which can introduce more health risks for both pets and humans alike. Ensuring proper cooking and food handling practices can significantly minimize risks. For example, it’s suggested to always cook any poultry or eggs to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pet owners should remain alert to the news and updates about pet food safety, particularly as more recalls might arise. Whether the link between bird flu and specific pet food products is confirmed or not, the FDA’s advisories could save lives: both feline and human. If you’ve purchased any of the affected products, be sure to watch your pets closely, and address any symptoms with your veterinarian without delay.
It’s imperative for pet owners to keep hygiene standards high by washing hands after handling pet food and ensuring any contact surfaces are sanitized. The danger of infection is not solely limited to birds and cats; humans can contract the virus as well if they inadvertently touch their faces after handling raw pet food.
Overall, the situation is one worth following closely. Pet owners should remain vigilant as more information emerges and act responsibly when it pertains to their pets’ health and well-being. The potential connection to H5N1 could mean serious health repercussions for our furry companions, and proactive measures can mitigate such risks.
