The recent recall of Savage Pet’s raw chicken cat food due to potential H5N1 avian influenza contamination serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with raw food diets for our feline companions. This incident has raised alarms about the broader implications for both pet and human health.
Initially, Savage Pet initiated a voluntary market withdrawal of their raw chicken cat food (lot code 11152026) after a cat in Colorado contracted H5N1 avian influenza. Preliminary PCR tests on sealed packets from this lot were “non-negative,” prompting the withdrawal.
However, subsequent virus isolation tests returned negative results. Following a new case in New York, where a kitten that consumed food from the same lot contracted avian flu, Savage Pet escalated the market withdrawal to a formal recall to ensure maximum safety. (savagecatfood.com)
This is not an isolated incident related to raw pet food. In a separate outbreak, two cats in New York City, including an 8-month-old kitten, died from avian flu, with at least one case linked to the consumption of raw food from Savage Cat. (nypost.com) Additionally, a kitten in Brooklyn was identified as the second feline avian flu victim in New York City after contracting the H5N1 virus, with links to the same brand. (nypost.com)
Furthermore, in Oregon, a house cat died from avian influenza after consuming raw turkey cat food produced by Northwest Naturals, leading to a nationwide recall of the contaminated product. (axios.com) These incidents highlight the direct connection between raw diets and the transmission of pathogens.
The allure of raw food diets often stems from the perception that they are more natural or healthier for pets. However, evidence suggests otherwise. The FDA has expressed concerns about the public health risks of raw pet food diets, noting that they can be contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and avian influenza viruses. These organisms pose significant health risks to both pets and their owners, who may inadvertently handle contaminated food.
Moreover, research indicates that the odds of being exposed to a foodborne pathogen in frozen raw meat diets for pets are about one in three. This statistic underscores the substantial risk pet owners take when choosing to feed their animals raw diets.
In light of these events, it is imperative for pet owners to critically assess the risks associated with raw food diets. While the intention may be to provide a more natural diet, the potential for disease transmission to both pets and humans is a significant concern. Opting for commercially prepared, cooked pet foods that adhere to safety standards can mitigate these risks and ensure the health and well-being of all members of the household.
The recent avian influenza outbreaks linked to raw pet food should serve as a catalyst for re-evaluating the safety of such diets. Prioritizing the health of our pets and ourselves means making informed decisions, grounded in scientific evidence, about their nutrition.
- Two NYC cats dead from avian flu, including 8-month-old kitten: ‘Just tragic’
- Brooklyn kitten ID’d as second NYC avian flu victim after contracting virus from another cat
- Experts urge caution after Oregon cat dies of bird flu
