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Cat owners beware as pet food with bird flu risk is recalled

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Cat owners beware as pet food with bird flu risk is recalled

Cat owners have been alerted to a potential health threat.

Savage Pet of El Cajon, California, is recalling 66 large chicken boxes (84 oz.) and 74 small chicken boxes (21 oz.) with the lot code/”best by” date of 11.15.2026, as these products have “the potential to contain H5N1, also known as bird flu,” according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). 

The Savage Cat food products were distributed to retailers in five states: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, the FDA’s website says.

FARMERS IN 6 STATES TOLD TO STOP USING CERTAIN ANIMAL FEED AS FDA ANNOUNCES RECALL 

“People who fed [their] 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,” the notice says. 

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Anyone whose felines exhibit these signs after consuming the product “should immediately contact their veterinarian,” the FDA advises.

Anyone whose cats exhibit certain symptoms, including fever, lethargy and low appetite, “should immediately contact their veterinarian,” the FDA’s website says. Pet owners need to protect themselves from possible infection as well, the site indicates. (iStock)

The FDA indicates that “while no human infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if [the] live virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth.” 

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Regular handwashing and cleaning of contact surfaces is highly recommended, the notice also indicates.

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“People who handled the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu.”

“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.”

Cat quiz

The New York City Health Department issued a statement about three cats (not pictured) potentially becoming infected with bird flu. (iStock)

The notice also says, “People exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.”

In February, Savage Pet said it was “made aware of one cat in Colorado that contracted H5N1, got sick and recovered.”

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The laboratory at Colorado State University “tested sealed packets of Savage Cat Food using PCR testing for H5N1,” the FDA’s site says.

The PCR test results were “non-negative,” according to the same source.

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“The product with ‘non-negative’ PCR results was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for virus isolation testing” — and the product was taken off the market pending final test results, the site says.

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The company added, as the FDA site indicates, “To ensure maximum safety, we are modifying our market withdrawal to a recall … The product with lot code/’best by’ date of 11.15.2026 was distributed in November 2024.” (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)

The virus isolation testing was found “to be negative,” it also says.

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On March 13, “Savage Pet was made aware of an additional case in New York of a kitten” that ate from lot 11.15.2026 and “contracted avian flu. Further testing is ongoing.”

Previous studies have suggested that H5N1 could be transmitted among cats.

The company added, as the FDA site indicates, “To ensure maximum safety, we are modifying our market withdrawal to a recall … The product with lot code/’best by’ date of 11.15.2026 was distributed in November 2024.”

“The boxes are cardboard and contain individual plastic packets inside. The lot code/’best by’ date is stamped on the bottom and on each packet.”

Potential cat-to-cat transmission

Previous studies have suggested that H5N1 could be transmitted among cats, and a March 15 statement from the New York City Health Department seems to support that possibility. 

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The statement provided details of two cats that contracted bird flu and a third cat suspected to have it.

“Avian influenza (bird flu) virus was detected in two cats and a suspected third cat over the past two months, all connected to Savage Cat Food, poultry packets lot number 11152026,” the alert read.

Cat eating wet food

“Avian influenza (bird flu) virus was detected in two cats and a suspected third cat over the past two months, all connected to Savage Cat Food, poultry packets lot number 11152026,” read an alert from the New York City Health Department. (iStock)

The first cat, cat A, became ill and died after eating chicken packets from Savage Cat Food.

“Testing for H5 bird flu was performed at the Cornell Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and confirmatory H5N1 testing by the U.S.D.A. National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) is pending.”

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A second cat, cat B, was diagnosed with H5N1 and also died as a result of infection, health officials said – but “this cat did not consume the raw food product but was exposed to a sick cat, cat C. Cat C became ill with fever after consuming Savage Cat Food lot number 11152026.”

“Cat C survived and H5 testing was not performed and cannot be performed, as too much time has passed.”

This suggests that cat B may have been infected after contact with cat C.

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Struggling With Belly Fat? Over-The-Counter Glucose Monitors Can Help

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Struggling With Belly Fat? Over-The-Counter Glucose Monitors Can Help


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Study: Postmenopausal Women Lose More Weight With GLP-1 and HRT

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Study: Postmenopausal Women Lose More Weight With GLP-1 and HRT


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Deadly cancer type linked to obesity and high stress levels

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Deadly cancer type linked to obesity and high stress levels

Obesity and stress could magnify the risk of one of the most aggressive types of cancer, a new study suggests.

Researchers at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) found that stress-related neurotransmitters and obesity-related hormones activated CREB (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein), which was shown to promote the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas.

In the study, mice that ate a high-fat diet were more likely to develop precancerous lesions. When stress levels were also raised through social isolation, the lesions grew even more.

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The stress-related cancer risk was more pronounced in female mice.

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Based on these findings, the researchers suggested exploring the use of existing medications to reduce the risk of obesity- and stress-related cancers. 

Obesity and stress could magnify the risk of one of the most aggressive types of cancer, a new study suggests. (iStock)

“Since β-adrenergic receptors play a crucial role in stress-related cancer growth, commonly used beta-blockers, which are drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, could be repurposed to help mitigate these effects,” a press release stated.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of just 13%.

PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT SURVIVAL DOUBLED WITH HIGH DOSE OF COMMON VITAMIN, STUDY FINDS

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One of the biggest challenges with the disease is that it’s often detected at a late stage when the disease is already advanced, according to Dr. Robert Den, a radiation oncologist, professor of radiation oncology, and chief medical officer at Alpha Tau Medical in Israel.

“Unlike some other cancers, there are no effective early screening tools, so by the time a patient is diagnosed, treatment options are often limited,” Den, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Woman getting diagnosis

“Unlike some other cancers, there are no effective early screening tools, so by the time a patient is diagnosed, treatment options are often limited.” (iStock)

The study reinforces the strong connection between the mind and body as it related to cancer development, Den said.

“Stress and its associated pathways can exacerbate disease progression, and we know that obesity fuels certain cancers, potentially impacting a patient’s response to treatment,” he said.

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“In this case, we’re seeing evidence that stress and obesity may contribute to the worsening of pancreatic cancer, which has major implications for both prevention and treatment strategies.”

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet and eating in moderation are essential, Den noted — not just for cancer prevention but for overall health. 

pancreatic cancer 3D rendering

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. (iStock)

“Exercise is particularly crucial in addressing both obesity and stress,” he said. “Staying active is not only beneficial for physical health, but also an excellent way to reduce stress.”

Mindfulness can also play a key role in reducing cancer risk, the doctor advised.

      

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“Spending time outdoors can also improve both mental and physical well-being, so I always encourage patients to find ways to be active, connect with nature and prioritize their overall wellness,” he said.

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Regarding pancreatic cancer treatment, Den noted that there have been some advancements in chemotherapy and surgical techniques, but “there hasn’t yet been a breakthrough.”

“Most immunotherapies, which have been revolutionary in other cancers, have not shown the same promise in pancreatic cancer,” he said. 

People doing yoga

“Spending time outdoors can also improve both mental and physical well-being, so I always encourage patients to find ways to be active, connect with nature and prioritize their overall wellness,” an oncologist said. (iStock)

“The key challenge is finding ways to help patients who are not candidates for surgery, as surgery remains the best line of defense.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

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