Cat in San Francisco euthanized after latest bird flu infection tied to raw pet food

Federal health officials have issued warnings regarding certain lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food, which may be contaminated with the H5N1 bird flu virus. This alert follows the unfortunate case of a pet cat in San Francisco that became infected with the virus after consuming the contaminated food and subsequently had to be euthanized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that two specific lots of the cat food tested positive for the virus, linking it directly to the feline's death.

Pet owners should be particularly vigilant, as the incidence represents the first confirmed H5N1 infection in pet cats associated with raw food since earlier cases reported in March. The outbreak has affected nearly 70 domestic cats this year, many of which contracted the virus from raw foods or milk. It is crucial for cat owners to be aware of the potential risks linked to raw pet food and to consider alternative feeding options if they are using products that may be affected.

Currently, there has been no official recall for the contaminated RAWR Raw Cat Food, which includes specific lots with sell-by dates of September 18, 2026, and October 3, 2026. However, the company has stated that they removed those lots from circulation prior to the announcement. Pet owners are encouraged to monitor their pets for any signs of illness and to stay informed about the products they are using. For more details, you can read the full article here.