FDA Issues Dire Warning to Pet Owners

In a shocking announcement, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted cat owners across the nation following the alarming discovery of H5N1 avian influenza in a popular brand of raw cat food, specifically linked to a sick cat in San Francisco County.

Unprecedented Cat Illnesses Linked to Raw Food

This isn't the first time that raw food has been implicated in severe cat illnesses and tragic deaths. Previous recalls from various companies have stemmed from similar concerns. The recent case has once again thrust the safety of raw pet food into the spotlight.

Cat's Illness Traced to Rawr Raw Cat Food

A distressed cat owner reported that their pet became gravely ill after consuming Rawr Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats and was ultimately euthanized. Subsequent testing of the opened product container revealed the terrifying presence of H5N1.

Product Details and Sell-By Dates

This affected product, sold in 2.5-pound resealable plastic bags both in stores and online across the country, has specific sell-by dates: September 18, 2026, for two lots and October 3, 2026, for the brand's 40-count 1-ounce slider product. The manufacturing facility is located in Grass Valley, California.

Government Agencies Get Involved

Whole-genome sequencing conducted by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed that both the cat and the food came from the same contamination source, raising serious alarm. The tests detected the B3.13 genotype of H5N1, known for circulating among dairy cows before spilling over into commercial poultry operations.

Product Removal Amid Controversy

In the wake of these findings, Rawr Cat Food has taken steps to pull the affected products from the shelves, although the company expressed frustration at the FDA's communication timeline. They assert that the chicken used is USDA-inspected human-grade and highlight the potential that contamination could have occurred post-purchase.

Wider H5N1 Outbreaks in the US

As if this news wasn’t enough, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture has reported yet another outbreak of H5N1 in a commercial turkey farm, following another incident at a turkey farm in South Dakota. Additionally, the USDA has confirmed a detection in a backyard poultry flock in Georgia, further emphasizing the spread of this dangerous virus.

Responsible Pet Ownership is Key!

While no human cases have yet been reported related to this outbreak, pet owners are urged to stay vigilant. It’s essential to monitor for symptoms and ensure you’re aware of any potential risks associated with raw pet food.