New York City pet owners face a chilling new threat as two domestic cats tested positive for bird flu. The health crisis originating from raw pet food has already claimed feline lives as officials scramble to investigate the outbreak.
At a glance:
• Two separate NYC cats confirmed with H5 avian influenza, linked to “Savage Cat Food” raw pet food
• Both infected cats died from the illness; a third cat is suspected but wasn’t tested
• Government officials urge pet owners not to feed cats raw food and keep them indoors
• Investigation reveals contamination in lot number 11152026 of Savage Cat Food
• Health authorities insist risk to humans remains low despite 70 human infections nationally since 2022
NYC Health Department Confirms Deadly Cat Infections
Health officials in New York City have confirmed that two separate domestic cats contracted H5 avian influenza, raising alarm among pet owners across the city. Both cats died from the infection after consuming contaminated raw pet food from a company called Savage Cat Food, with officials now warning families to check if they’ve purchased the affected products.
Investigations have specifically linked the infections to lot number 11152026 of Savage Cat Food products, prompting a multi-agency response. Officials say there is little risk to humans but a continued danger to cats, who experience high fevers and respiratory disease when infected.
Officials Urge Pet Owners To Take Precautions
“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,” said Dr. Michelle Morse, the city’s Chief Medical Officer. The warning comes as experts note that cats are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and high mortality rates from bird flu.
This isn’t the first instance of feline infections in the region, as six cats in New Jersey previously tested positive for the virus. Governor Kathy Hochul has taken action by temporarily closing live bird markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens after avian flu was detected at seven locations.
Risk To Humans Remains Low Despite Growing Animal Cases
“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,” health officials stated in a press release.
Officials note that since the current outbreak began in 2022, there have been 70 human infections nationally with one death reported. The FDA is now monitoring similar cases in other states as experts confirm H5N1 can be transmitted through contaminated raw pet food.
New York City residents are being encouraged to report any sick or dead birds to state agricultural authorities. “These are just simply measured common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said earlier this year.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including local health departments, state officials, the FDA, and Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for symptoms and contact veterinarians immediately if their pets show signs of illness.
