The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) contamination in specific lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats following the death of a cat that consumed the product. Whole genome sequencing indicates the virus strains detected in the animal and the contaminated pet food originated from a common source.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health notified federal authorities after a cat became ill with H5N1 and was subsequently euthanized. The animal had consumed product from Lot CCS 25 093 with a sell-by date of October 3, 2026. Initial PCR testing of the open product sample collected from the pet owner detected H5N1, which was later confirmed through additional testing by USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
FDA collected and tested two retail samples of the same product from a different lot (CCS 25 077, sell-by date September 18, 2026). Both samples tested positive for Influenza A Virus, with one sample confirmed positive for H5N1 through whole genome sequencing.
The contaminated products are sold frozen in 2.5-pound resealable plastic bags containing 40 one-ounce sliders. The yellow and white bags with black lettering are distributed in retail stores nationwide and online. Lot CCS 25 077 is printed on the center back of affected bags.
"FDA is concerned about the lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats described above because whole genome sequencing suggests the H5N1 detected in the now-deceased cat and in Lots CCS 25 093 and CCS 25 077 of the Chicken Eats product originated from a common source of contamination," the agency stated in its release.
Laboratory analysis identified the virus as genotype B3.13, which has previously been found in other raw poultry-based pet food brands associated with feline illness or death. The sequencing results showed H5N1 from all three samples were within the same cluster, indicating relatedness to a virus lineage detected from November to December 2024 that is no longer circulating.
H5N1 can cause illness and death in birds, poultry and mammals including domestic cats and large felids such as panthers, bobcats and mountain lions. While dogs can contract the virus, they typically exhibit mild clinical signs and lower mortality rates compared to cats. No cases have been detected in dogs within the U.S., though fatal cases have occurred in other countries.
The FDA reports no known human cases of HPAI contracted through exposure to contaminated pet food. The agency continues its investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
