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

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington has reported the loss of 20 big cats due to a severe bird flu outbreak, prompting quarantine measures to curb further spread.

In a tragic incident, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington has announced that 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, have succumbed to a bird flu outbreak in recent weeks. The organization expressed its sorrow on social media, stating, “This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals.”

The lethal viral infection, primarily transmitted through wild birds, affects animals through respiratory secretions and contact with infected bird species. The director of the sanctuary, Mark Mathews, informed the New York Times that the fatalities occurred between late November and mid-December. "We've never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age," Mathews lamented, referring to the unusual nature of this loss. He described the virus as "pretty wicked," highlighting its rapid and deadly impact.

In response to the outbreak, the sanctuary has implemented quarantine measures, closing its doors to the public in an effort to prevent further infections. The fatalities include five African serval cats, four bobcats, and two Canada lynx, leaving the center with only 17 cats remaining. The sanctuary’s statement detailed the virus's severity, explaining that while initial symptoms may appear subtle, the condition can deteriorate quickly, often resulting in death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like effects.

The broader implications of the bird flu outbreak have been observed across the United States, particularly affecting poultry and, more recently, cattle for the first time since March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 61 reported cases of human infection linked to bird flu in the U.S., although they maintain that the general risk to the public is low, with no sustained human-to-human transmission observed. One notable case involved a severe reaction in Louisiana this month, leading to hospitalization.

In a related response to the agricultural impact, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared an emergency over the bird flu spread among dairy cows in the state to facilitate a rapid response to the situation.