Bird Flu Tragedy Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington is reeling from the deaths of 20 big cats attributed to bird flu, a viral infection commonly spread by wild birds. The sanctuary has now closed its doors to the public and is under quarantine.

In a tragic turn of events, an animal sanctuary in Washington state has reported the deaths of 20 big cats, notably among them a Bengal tiger and four cougars, from bird flu. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, stating, "This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals."

The affected cats died over the past several weeks, with the sanctuary’s director, Mark Mathews, revealing that the deaths occurred between late November and mid-December. "We've never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age," Mathews stated to the New York Times, emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation. He described the virus as "a pretty wicked virus."

In light of the outbreak, the sanctuary has implemented a quarantine and suspended public access to mitigate the risk of further spread. The casualties include five African serval cats, four bobcats, and two Canada lynx, leaving only 17 big cats remaining in the facility.

According to the sanctuary, cats exhibit particular vulnerability to the virus, displaying subtle symptoms that can escalate into severe pneumonia within just 24 hours, often resulting in death. The bird flu has had a pandemic effect, impacting not just avian populations but also extending to cattle and even humans across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 61 human cases of bird flu this year, though it maintains that the risk to the general public remains low.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared an emergency amidst an outbreak of bird flu affecting dairy cows in the state, enabling the government to mobilize resources effectively. As the virus continues to spread, the wildlife community watches closely, concerned about its implications for both animal and public health.