Catastrophic Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary

A tragic bird flu outbreak has resulted in the deaths of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger, at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington. The sanctuary is now under quarantine as it grapples with this unprecedented loss amidst rising concerns about the virus spreading to other animal populations and humans.

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington is mourning the loss of 20 big cats, including four cougars and a Bengal tiger, due to a severe bird flu outbreak. The sanctuary reported the deaths to the public in a heartfelt Facebook post, emphasizing the emotional toll on their team. The outbreak, which has resulted from a viral infection carried by wild birds, primarily spreads via respiratory secretions and contact between birds, but can also affect mammals that consume infected birds or products.

Sanctuary director Mark Mathews revealed that the animals succumbed to the illness between late November and mid-December, stating, "We've never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age." Sadly, this sinister virus proved deadly, with many cats facing rapid deterioration in health, often leading to death in less than 24 hours due to pneumonia-like symptoms.

In response to the outbreak, the sanctuary has enforced a quarantine, closing its doors to the public to control further spread. Among the deceased, five African serval cats and four bobcats were included, leaving only 17 cats alive at the center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor the situation as bird flu spreads among livestock. While human cases of bird flu have been reported since March, the CDC maintains that the risk to the public is low.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared a state of emergency to address the outbreak among dairy cattle, indicating the urgent need for resources to respond effectively to this worsening situation. As the community rallies to understand this threat, the sanctuary’s heartbreaking loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges wildlife faces in a changing environment.