Bird flu seems to be rapidly picking up steam these days. It’s more important than ever that we stay vigilant about making sure we know what we’re feeding our pets. As more foods continue to be recalled, we have to stay on top of it!
Now, another popular cat food has been recalled on account of bird flu dangers: on Saturday, March 15th, Savage Pet announced a recall of their Large and Small Chicken Boxes. The products are shipped all over the nation, with boxes being distributed to:
- California
- Colorado
- New York
- Washington
- Pennsylvania
The company has recalled 66 Large Chicken Boxes and 74 Small Chicken Boxes: the product is packaged in 3-ounce packets inside each box. Each recalled packet and the box they come in will have the lot code 1152026, which is also the “best-by” date. Savage Pet’s other products, such as different-flavored boxes and their tubs, are not being recalled at this time. Recalled boxes look like:
Savage Pet’s Large/Small Chicken Boxes tested “non-negative,” which essentially means that the preliminary screening (which happened in mid-February) did not yield a negative result, so further testing needed to be done to ensure the product did not contain H5N1. However, after the initial case triggered an investigation, another kitten got sick.
Out of an abundance of caution, Savage Pet stated, “To ensure maximum safety we are modifying our market withdrawal to a recall. […] Any consumers who may still have the affected lot code are urged return it to their retailer for a full refund.”
How to avoid bird flu
No humans have come down with the sickness that may or may not have come from Savage Pet’s Chicken Boxes, but it’s still important that we stay one alert to avoid it for both our health and the health of our pets.
If you’re looking to avoid the bird flu, you can:
- Make sure to cook all poultry/eggs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid hunting and eating wild birds (and, when you do, cook them to 165 degrees).
- Avoid raw pet food.
- If you have chickens/ducks of your own, speak to your vet about vaccination against H5N1.
- If you have to be around birds, wear appropriate personal protection equipment (mask, gloves, etc.,).
You should always, always wash your hands after handling birds or anything that’s come in contact with the birds, even if it doesn’t look “dirty.” That goes for any bird, whether it’s a chicken or your own pet parakeet. Even if they’re not carrying bird flu, they can still carry salmonella!
Whether the cases are definitely from Savage Pet’s Chicken Boxes or not, they did the right thing by being cautious. If you purchased this food, be sure to check and contact your retailer (not Savage Pet directly) for a refund!
