How annual bird migration could spread avian flu
Scientists are still trying to figure out how bird flu is spreading through farms in the United States.
Another cat food brand has recalled some of its products due to a possible bird flu contamination, health regulators warned over the weekend.
Savage Pet has recalled 66 of its large (84 oz.) chicken boxes and 74 of its small (21 oz.) chicken boxes for cats due to the potential to contain the H5N1 influenza/, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
At least one cat in Colorado and another in New York became sick after consuming one of the boxes. Though the Colorado case, in which the cat later recovered, tested negative for the the virus, testing is still underway for the New York case.
In November, the San Diego County-based brand distributed the boxes across retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, the recall posted Saturday states. The recalled products list an expiration date of Nov. 15, 2026 (11152026).
Savage Pet joins a wave of recalls prompted by the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has ravaged flocks globally and causing a U.S. egg shortage that has fueled higher food prices. Here’s what to know.
Which cat food products have been recalled because of bird flu?
At least four pet food brands have recalled some of its products due to possible risk of bird flu, including Savage Pet, Wild Coast Raw, Northwest Naturals and Morach Raw Pet Wood. The recalled items are listed below:
Savage Pet
Savage Pet recalled its Savage Cat Food large (84 oz.) chicken boxes and its small (21 oz.) chicken boxes with an expiration date of Nov. 15, 2026 (11152026), distributed in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington
Wild Coast Raw
Wild Coast Raw has issued two recalls due to the containment of the H5N1 virus.
- Frozen 16-ounce and 24-ounce Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula with affected lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22664, #22660 and #22664. The best buy date for the affected products, which were sold in Washington and Oregon, is December 2025.
- The brand’s Chicken Feline Formula with lot numbers 22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664 with a best buy date of 12/2025.
Northwest Naturals (No longer applicable)
Northwest Naturals recalled two-pound bags of its Feline Turkey Recipe after it reportedly tested positive for virulent bird flu. However it is no longer applicable after an FDA audit found no evidence of bird flu contamination.
Morach Raw Pet Food
After the bird flu virus was detected in product samples, Monarch Raw Pet Food recalled its products sold at California farmers markets in the cities Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, Fountain Valley, Beaumont, Palm Springs and Corona.
What are the bird flu symptoms in cats?
The FDA confirms that the following symptoms may be signs that your cat has bird flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Low appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurological signs like tremors
- Stiff body movements
- Seizure
- Lack of coordination
- Blindness
What to do if cat has bird flu symptoms
The FDA warns that cats presenting any bird flu symptoms after consuming the recalled products be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
“Do not feed the recalled product to pets or animals. Do not sell or donate the recalled products,” The FDA warns. “Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund.”
Can bird flu be fatal for cats?
Yes. The mortality rate for cats infected with bird flu is 67%, according to the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health.
Can bird flu be transmitted from cats to humans?
Though human infections have not been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth.
People who have come in contact with the recalled products should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize all contact surfaces, like countertops, fridges, bowls and utensils.
Contributing: Greta Cross and Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY.
This story was updated to resolve a typo and to clarify information.
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