Savage Pet of El Cajon, CA, is recalling 66 Large Chicken Boxes 84 oz. and 74 Small Chicken Boxes 21 oz. with the lot code/best by date of 11152026 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as bird flu. H5N1 can be transmitted to animals that eat a contaminated product.

Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz.) and Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz.) were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. The boxes are cardboard and contain individual plastic packets inside. The lot code/best by date is stamped on the bottom of the box and on each packet.

People who fed cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness. People with cats exhibiting these signs after feeding this product should immediately contact their veterinarian.

While no human infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if live virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. People should wash their hands while handling raw products and sanitize contact surfaces. People who handled the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. People exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.

The recall was initiated after the company was made aware of a cat in Colorado who contracted H5N1, got sick and recovered. Colorado State University Laboratory tested sealed packets using PCR testing for H5N1 with “non-negative” results. On March 13, 2025, Savage Pet was made aware of an additional case in New York of a kitten that contracted avian flu after consuming the affected lot.

Do not feed, sell, or donate the recalled products. Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. For more information, contact Savage Pet at info@savagecatfood.com or by calling (619) 270-0295.