Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, CA, has issued a recall of their Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz.) and Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz.) due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The lot code for the affected products is 11152026, and they were distributed across retailers in states like California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
If you’ve fed these products to your cats, it’s important to be alert for bird flu symptoms. These may include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, inflamed eyes, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, and possible neurological issues such as tremors or seizures. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
While there have been no confirmed human infections linked to handling this pet food, caution is advised. The H5N1 virus can be transmitted if it comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. To minimize risks, wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food and sanitize any surfaces it may touch. Anyone who does encounter symptoms like conjunctivitis, cough, body aches, or fever after handling this product should reach out to their healthcare provider.
Recently, a cat in Colorado was reported to have contracted H5N1 and has since recovered. This incident prompted testing of Savage Cat Food, which returned “non-negative’’ results for the virus. Further tests confirmed that the specific product in question was eventually cleared. However, on March 13, 2025, it was reported that a kitten in New York had also tested positive for avian flu after consuming the same lot. Investigations into additional cases are ongoing.
To ensure pet safety, it’s crucial to refrain from feeding the recalled products to your pets and to avoid selling or donating them. The products involved were packaged in cardboard boxes, with each individual packet marked with the lot code on the bottom.
For additional information about bird flu or pet safety, consider visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. They offer valuable resources for anyone seeking further knowledge about the disease and its implications.
Check out this related article: Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Culinary Gems: Top Rice & Pasta Spots from a Food Instagrammer!
Source link