Title: Devastating Loss: 20 Big Cats Fall Victim to Bird Flu at Washington Sanctuary
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 20 large felines, including a half-Bengal tiger and four bobcats, have succumbed to avian flu at a sanctuary in Washington state since late November. The devastating news was confirmed by the sanctuary’s director.
Mark Mathews, founder and director of Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, "We’ve never experienced anything like this. Usually, they pass away from old age." The sanctuary took to Facebook to announce that more than half of their wild felines had tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as of December 2024.
Photo: Big cats at the sanctuary have fallen victim to bird flu
The center explained that they are mourning the loss of their feline friends while collaborating with federal, state, and local animal health officials to manage the situation effectively.Strict biosecurity measures, isolation of affected animals, and thorough disinfection have been implemented to protect the remaining animals and the public.
Avian flu can be transmitted to carnivorous mammals through the ingestion of infected birds or contaminated products. The virus can cause subtle initial symptoms in felines but progress rapidly, often leading to death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions.
Of the remaining 17 felines at the sanctuary, three have recovered, one is in critical condition, and the origin of the virus is being investigated. The sanctuary has taken measures including removing and disinfecting 8,000 kilograms of food stored in a freezer and cleaning each habitat thoroughly.
Photo: Felines affected by avian flu
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed avian flu infections in numerous wild birds this fall and recently detected the H5N1 virus in two bobcats from another location.
The sanctuary is working tirelessly with its veterinary team to determine the cause and find a solution to this tragic situation, as reported on their Facebook page.
Update: The sanctuary has confirmed that 75% of their wild felines have been affected by avian flu, with 20 casualties so far.