A Dire Warning for Pet Owners

Federal health officials have issued a grave alert regarding potential contamination of raw cat food with the H5N1 bird flu virus. A tragic incident in San Francisco saw a beloved pet cat euthanized after contracting the virus from contaminated food.

Contaminated Food Identified

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed on Wednesday that two specific lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats tested positive for H5N1. Investigations by local health authorities confirmed that the strain found in the food matched that of the infected cat.

First Case of 2023

This incident marks the first documented case of H5N1 infection in cats linked to raw food this year. Alarmingly, nearly 70 cats in the United States have already been affected by H5N1 infections, predominantly due to consuming contaminated raw milk or pet food.

Details on Affected Products

The affected RAWR food lots are CCS 25 077, which has a sell-by date of September 18, 2026, and CCS 250 093, with a date of October 3, 2026. Although these products are sold frozen and should be thawed before feeding to pets, no formal recall has been initiated. However, the Grass Valley, California-based company has proactively removed these batches from circulation.

How Does H5N1 Affect Pets?

H5N1 is known to be particularly dangerous for birds, poultry, and mammals like cats. While no dog infections have been reported in the U.S., fatal cases have emerged internationally. Vulnerable animals—such as young kittens, elderly cats, or those with compromised immune systems—are especially at risk of severe illness.

Human Safety Concern

So far, there have been no recorded H5N1 infections in humans from handling raw pet food, but there is a potential risk if active virus particles come into contact with mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth. Pet owners must exercise caution when dealing with these products.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As the situation develops, pet owners are urged to stay informed and vigilant about the products they feed their animals. Regular updates from health authorities will be crucial in ensuring public safety.