New York City Health Department recently warned pet owners to immediately stop using “Savage” brand cat food, as the brand’s products are suspected to be linked to at least three cases of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic cats in the past two months, with two of the cats having already died.
Health officials stated that the cat food company, which promotes the concept of “raw meat hunting,” has a direct association with the recent cases of avian flu diagnosed in two domestic cats in New York City. The New York City Health Department urged cat owners to avoid using products from this brand and cautioned against feeding any food containing raw meat ingredients.
“We strongly advise New Yorkers that if their cats show abnormal symptoms after consuming Savage cat food or other raw meat or dairy products, they should immediately contact a veterinarian,” said Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse in a statement released on Saturday.
According to the health department’s report, a cat in New York City was hospitalized earlier this month due to fever, loss of appetite, and severe breathing difficulties, ultimately passing away. Another cat was diagnosed with H5N1 avian flu last month, showing similar symptoms and also did not survive. Additionally, a third cat suspected of being infected, although alive, cannot be confirmed to have avian flu due to the prolonged time elapsed.
Savage cat food company stated that they were made aware of related cases in Colorado earlier this year and issued a product recall notice to retailers and consumers in mid-February, warning of the potential risks associated with their brand products.
Savage cat food products have been sold in regions including California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The affected product batch number is 11152026, with an expiration date of November 15, 2026, and consumers are advised to immediately cease feeding it.
Currently, 48 poultry flocks in New York State have tested positive for avian flu, with 7 cases occurring at live poultry markets in New York City alone, with multiple cases reported in March.
Due to the spread of avian flu, Governor Hochu of New York ordered the temporary closure of some live poultry markets in New York City last month to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
Avian flu not only devastates animal populations but also impacts food prices in New York and across the U.S. However, the health department emphasizes that the current risk of transmission to humans remains low, as the severity of the threat of avian flu to the public lies in its ability to spread among humans, which has not yet occurred.