Cat food sold in Pa. recalled due to bird flu risk: Here’s what to know

Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, California, announced it is recalling large and small boxes of its chicken cat food because it could possibly contain H5N1, also known as bird flu.

The company is recalling 66 Large (84 oz.) Chicken Boxes and 74 Small (21 oz.) Chicken Boxes, according to a release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The boxes have a lot code/best by date of 11152026 and were distributed in November of last year to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.

The boxes are cardboard and contain individual plastic packets inside. The lot code/best by date is stamped on the bottom and on each individual packet.

Anyone who fed their cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, which can include fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness. If your cat starts exhibiting these symptoms you should immediately call your veterinarian.

While no human has been infected with bird flu by handling raw pet food, people can become infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands while handling raw products and sanitize any contact surfaces. If you handled the recalled products, watch for any bird flu symptoms, including eye redness or irritation, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. If you are exhibiting these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Savage Pet learned of the possible contamination in February after a cat in Colorado contracted H5N1 but recovered. It was then made aware of an additional case in New York involving a kitten.

Colorado State University Laboratory tested several sealed packets of the food for H5N1. The test results were “non-negative”. Further testing is continuing.

The recalled pet food should not be given to any pets or animals. Do not sell or donate them either. Anyone who purchased the pet food is urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund.

Anyone seeking more information should contact Savage Pet at [email protected] or at 619-270-0295.