Tragic Loss: 20 Big Cats Succumb to Bird Flu at Washington Sanctuary

An outbreak of bird flu has resulted in the death of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, at a Washington animal sanctuary, prompting a quarantine and public closure to contain the virus.

In a heartbreaking revelation, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington has reported the deaths of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, due to a devastating bird flu outbreak. The sanctuary announced the tragedy on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of these magnificent creatures that comprised the essence of their conservation efforts. The deaths occurred between late November and mid-December, with the sanctuary's director, Mark Mathews, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this loss, stating, “We've never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age.”

The highly contagious bird flu virus, primarily carried by wild birds, spreads through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact. Additionally, mammals, including these big cats, may contract the virus by ingesting infected birds or their products. Following the outbreak, the sanctuary has been placed under quarantine and is closed to the public to prevent any further spread of the virus.

The loss includes five African serval cats, four bobcats, and two Canada lynx, leaving the sanctuary with only 17 remaining cats. According to the sanctuary, cats are particularly susceptible to the virus, which can incite subtle symptoms that escalate quickly, often leading to death caused by pneumonia-like conditions within a day.

The bird flu outbreak is not confined to the sanctuary, as it continues to pose a threat to poultry and has recently affected cattle in the U.S. Since March, cattle have been recorded as infected for the first time, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noting at least 61 human cases reported since April. Although the risk of widespread human transmission remains low, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared an emergency response to address the outbreak within the state's dairy cattle.