The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington confirmed the death of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, due to bird flu over recent weeks. The sanctuary is now under quarantine as the disease spreads among wildlife and livestock, prompting emergency declarations in affected areas.
Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary
Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary
A devastating bird flu outbreak has resulted in the loss of 20 big cats at a sanctuary in Washington state, raising concerns over animal health and the virus's spread.
In a tragic incident, 20 big cats, among them a magnificent Bengal tiger and four cougars, have succumbed to bird flu at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington state in recent weeks. The sanctuary reported the heart-wrenching news via a Facebook post, expressing the profound impact of this loss on their team. "This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals," stated the post.
The highly contagious viral infection is primarily spread among birds through respiratory droplets and contact, but can also infect mammals that consume infected birds or their bodily products. To combat the outbreak, the sanctuary has been placed under quarantine and is currently closed to the public.
The deaths, which occurred between late November and mid-December, have taken a significant toll; as described by sanctuary director Mark Mathews, this outbreak is unprecedented. "We've never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age," Mathews told the New York Times. He added, "Not something like this, it's a pretty wicked virus."
The news arrives amidst ongoing concerns over bird flu infection in other animals across the US, including cattle and poultry, and instances of the virus infecting humans. The sanctuary reported the loss of five African serval cats, four bobcats, and two Canada lynx, resulting in a drastic reduction in its feline population.
Cats are especially susceptible to bird flu, as indicated by the sanctuary's statement. Initial symptoms may be subtle but can escalate quickly, often leading to death within a mere 24 hours because of pneumonia-like complications.
Historically, bird flu has predominantly affected poultry flocks in the United States. However, since a significant spread in March, the virus has also been identified in cattle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a total of 61 reported human cases of bird flu in the US since April 2024, although the general public remains at low risk with most cases presenting mild symptoms. Alarmingly, one individual from Louisiana was hospitalized with a severe case this month.
In response to the ongoing threat of the outbreak, California Governor Gavin Newsom implemented an emergency declaration concerning infected dairy cattle to facilitate a swift government response, ensuring that necessary resources are allocated to address this growing concern.
