Pet owners across New York City are on high alert as health officials confirm two cats have tested positive for deadly bird flu. The infected felines, which both tragically died, have been linked to a specific raw pet food product, raising serious concerns about the safety of what many Americans feed their beloved companions.
At a glance:
• Two house cats from separate NYC households died after contracting H5N1 bird flu virus
• The infections have been linked to “Savage Cat Food” raw pet food, specifically lot number 11152026
• Officials warn pet owners to keep cats indoors and stop feeding raw food products
• Governor Kathy Hochul previously ordered the closure of 82 live bird markets in NYC and surrounding counties
• Health authorities maintain the current risk to humans remains low, though 70 human infections have been reported nationwide since 2022
Raw Pet Food Linked to Fatal Cat Infections
New York City health officials have confirmed that two household cats died after contracting the H5N1 bird flu virus, with a possible third case under investigation. The infections have been directly linked to “Savage Cat Food,” a raw poultry pet food product that has now triggered warnings from local and federal health authorities.
The investigation involves a coordinated effort between NYC health officials, state agencies, and federal partners including the FDA and Cornell University. Health officials are urging pet owners to check for recalls on Savage Cat Food products, especially those with lot number 11152026 which was identified in the confirmed cases.
Officials Take Swift Action to Prevent Spread
These NYC cases follow similar bird flu infections reported in cats from New Jersey, indicating a growing threat to feline populations in the Northeast. The NYC Health Department’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Morse, emphasized preventative measures while attempting to calm public fears.
“The current risk to New Yorkers of bird flu remains low. Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people — which we have not seen,” Morse stated in the official health advisory.
Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the closure and disinfection of 82 live bird markets in NYC and surrounding counties after detecting avian flu in seven poultry markets.
“These are just simply measured common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said regarding the closures.
Precautions for Pet Owners
Health officials are advising cat owners to implement immediate precautions to protect their pets from infection. The primary recommendations include keeping cats indoors to prevent contact with potentially infected wild birds and immediately discontinuing the feeding of any raw food products.
“Pet owners are reminded not to feed their pets raw food or raw milk. Additionally, pet owners should prevent cats from roaming outdoors where they may come in contact with wild birds or other animals,” Dr. Morse advised in official guidance to New Yorkers.
Health authorities have confirmed that people can catch bird flu from animals, with 70 human infections and one death reported nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022. Pet owners who notice symptoms of illness in their cats, especially those who have consumed Savage Cat Food products, are being urged to contact their veterinarians immediately.
While the risk to humans remains low for now, but there’s no telling what could happen in the future.
