FDA Confirms H5N1 in RAWR Raw Cat Food: Nearly 70 Feline Cases Nationwide in 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that two lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus, following a case in San Francisco where an infected cat was euthanized. San Francisco health officials reported that the virus detected in the product matched the strain identified in the cat.
This marks the first feline case tied to raw pet food since March. According to the USDA, nearly 70 cats across the U.S. have tested positive for H5N1 so far this year, many associated with ingestion of raw animal products such as contaminated pet food or unpasteurized milk.
Impacted Lots:
Lot CCS 25 077 — sell-by date Sept. 18, 2026
Lot CCS 250 093 — sell-by date Oct. 3, 2026
The product is distributed nationwide in frozen 2.5-lb resealable bags containing 40 individual 1-oz portions. While no official FDA recall has been issued, the manufacturer reports that the affected lots were voluntarily withdrawn from circulation several weeks ago.
Clinical and Public Health Considerations:
H5N1 is capable of causing severe disease and death in cats and other mammals. To date, canine infections have not been documented in the U.S., though fatal cases have occurred internationally.
Animals that are very young, geriatric, or immunocompromised may be at higher risk of severe illness.
While no human cases have been linked to handling raw pet food in the U.S., transmission is theoretically possible if viral particles enter mucous membranes.
The USDA confirmed the viral strain by sequencing, noting it matched a lineage circulating in late 2024 but is no longer active.
Key Takeaway for Practitioners:
Veterinarians should be aware of this ongoing risk when counseling clients who feed raw diets. Consider discussing zoonotic potential, risks to companion animals, and the importance of proper food handling. Cats presenting with acute respiratory or neurologic signs, particularly with a raw-fed diet history, should raise suspicion for possible H5N1 exposure.
For updated guidance, see the CDC’s current avian influenza resources.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Sept. 3, 2025); USDA; The Associated Press
