Title: Devastating Loss at Washington Sanctuary: 20 Big Cats Succumb to Bird Flu
In a tragic turn of events, 20 large felines, including a half Bengal tiger and four pumas, have lost their lives at a sanctuary in Washington, USA, due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. This incident, which took place between late November and mid-December, has left the wildlife conservation community in shock and mourning.
Mark Mathews, the founder and director of Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington, expressed his grief, "We’ve never experienced anything like this. Normally, they pass away from old age."
The sanctuary’s official Facebook page confirmed the presence of HPAI in more than half of its big cats, with seven succumbing to the virus. Three cats have since recovered, and one remains in critical condition. Last week, the sanctuary announced that "more than half of its big cats have been affected by bird flu."
This outbreak occurs amidst a rapid spread of HPAI among poultry flocks and dairy cattle, with reports of infected and dead domestic cats, and a human case in Louisiana. The sanctuary, together with its veterinary team, is working tirelessly to determine the cause and find a solution.
In response to the outbreak, the sanctuary has implemented stringent biosecurity measures, including quarantine of affected animals and thorough disinfection to protect other animals and visitors. They also warned that bird flu can be transmitted to mammals that consume infected birds or their products.
The sanctuary’s Facebook posts highlighted the subtle initial symptoms of bird flu in cats, which can rapidly progress to pneumonia-like conditions and death within 24 hours. With only 17 big cats remaining, the sanctuary is taking drastic measures, including removing and disinfecting 8,000 kilograms of stored food.
Meanwhile, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed HPAI infections among numerous wild birds this fall and recently reported two bobcats testing positive for the H5N1 virus in another area.
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