New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball on Friday alerted New Yorkers with pets to the potential presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus, or avian influenza, in Savage Cat Raw Chicken Cat Food produced by Savage Pet of El Cajon, CA.
On March 15, the pet food company recalled the product with a lot code/best-by date of 11/15/2026. Recent samples of cat food with this lot code were collected by the New York City Department of Health, tested at Cornell University and confirmed to contain HPAI H5N1 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Illnesses in cats that have consumed this product have been reported in other states and in New York City.
Pet owners who may have Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes, sold in 84-ounce cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with a lot code/best by date of 11152026 and Savage Cat Food Small Chicken Boxes, sold in 21-ounce cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with a lot code/best by date of 11152026, should not feed this product to their cat or other animal. The product should also not be sold or donated.
The recalled product was distributed in November 2024 and was sold at multiple retailers within New York State. The lot code/best by date can be found on the bottom of the cardboard box and on each packet. Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is also contacting the retailers who may have sold this product to ensure it is pulled from store shelves.
People who fed cats this product should watch the cats for symptoms of avian influenza, including 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. People with cats exhibiting these signs after feeding this product should immediately contact their veterinarian.
No infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food products or infected cats. While it is unlikely for humans to be infected with avian influenza viruses through contact with infected pets, owners should follow the CDC-recommended preventative measures to prevent their pets from being infected.
No H5N1 infections have been detected in humans in New York State. The New York State Department of Health continues to remind New Yorkers that the risk to the public is low. Individuals interacting with potentially infected animals are encouraged to take additional proactive measures to protect public health. The Department provides additional information about avian influenza and how the public can protect themselves. Individuals should avoid handling potentially infected animals and should take additional protective measures to protect public health if contact cannot be avoided. Avoid feeding pets raw food or raw milk as it may pose a threat to human and animal health. Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw pet food.
The Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued this guidance pertaining to raw food for pets.
