Another Pet Food Brand Recalls Products Amid Bird Flu Concerns

Health regulators issued a warning over the weekend, announcing that another cat food brand has recalled some of its products due to a potential contamination with the avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu. The affected company, Savage Pet, joins a growing list of pet food manufacturers taking precautionary measures in response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has significantly impacted poultry populations worldwide.

Savage Pet has initiated a recall of 66 large (84 oz.) chicken boxes and 74 small (21 oz.) chicken boxes of its cat food. The recall was prompted by concerns that these products may contain the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency is working closely with Savage Pet to ensure the affected products are removed from store shelves and that pet owners are adequately informed of the potential risks.

The FDA’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the agency’s commitment to safeguarding animal health. The agency’s announcement further stated that at least one cat in Colorado and another in New York experienced illness after consuming the recalled cat food.

While the Colorado case tested negative for the bird flu virus, the cat involved has since recovered. Testing is still underway for the New York case to determine whether the illness is directly linked to the H5N1 virus. These incidents highlight the potential for the virus to spread from contaminated food to domestic animals.

The recalled Savage Pet products were distributed in November to retailers located in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The recall, posted on Saturday, identifies the affected products by their expiration date: Nov. 15, 2026 (11152026). Pet owners who have purchased Savage Pet cat food with this expiration date are strongly urged to take immediate action.

Savage Pet is not the only pet food brand affected by the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Wild Coast Raw, Northwest Naturals, and Morach Raw Pet Food have also issued recalls due to similar concerns.

Wild Coast Raw has initiated two separate recalls related to potential contamination with the H5N1 virus. Northwest Naturals recalled one of its products after it tested positive for virulent bird flu. Following the detection of the bird flu virus in product samples, Monarch Raw Pet Food recalled its products sold at various California farmers markets, including those in Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, Fountain Valley, Beaumont, Palm Springs, and Corona.

These recalls underscore the widespread impact of the bird flu outbreak on the pet food industry. As a result, the FDA has issued specific guidelines for pet owners who suspect their cats may have contracted the virus. The FDA confirms that various symptoms may indicate that your cat has bird flu.

According to the FDA, cats exhibiting any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Pet owners are strongly advised not to feed the recalled product to any pets or animals. Retailers and consumers are directed not to sell or donate the recalled products.

The FDA emphasizes that consumers who have purchased cat food with the specified lot code should immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. This recommendation highlights the importance of taking swift action to prevent the further spread of the virus.

The consequences of bird flu infection in cats can be severe. According to the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, the mortality rate for cats infected with bird flu is approximately 67%. This statistic underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by the virus to feline health.

While human infections have not been identified among people handling raw pet food products, health officials caution that humans can become infected if the virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth.

To mitigate this risk, individuals who have come into contact with the recalled products should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize all contact surfaces, such as countertops, refrigerators, bowls, and utensils. These measures can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect human health.

The current bird flu outbreak has had a significant impact on the poultry industry, leading to a U.S. egg shortage and subsequently fueling higher food prices. The recalls in the pet food industry further highlight the widespread economic and public health consequences of the outbreak.

The FDA is working with pet food manufacturers to strengthen safety protocols and prevent future contamination. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and to follow the agency’s guidelines to protect their pets’ health.

The situation remains fluid, and health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus. Further updates and information will be provided as necessary. Pet owners with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their veterinarian or the FDA directly. The collaboration of pet owners, pet food manufacturers, and regulatory agencies is vital in containing the spread of bird flu and safeguarding both animal and human health. The ongoing investigation will aim to trace the source of the contamination and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of pets are a top priority, and all stakeholders are working diligently to address this emerging threat.