The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is mourning the loss of 20 big cats due to a recent outbreak of bird flu, underscoring the virus's severe impact on wildlife and public health.
Tragic Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats in Washington Sanctuary
Tragic Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of 20 Big Cats in Washington Sanctuary
A devastating bird flu outbreak has led to the deaths of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington.
In a heart-wrenching incident, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington has reported the deaths of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger and four cougars, due to an outbreak of bird flu. The animal sanctuary, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wild felines, shared a somber update on social media, expressing deep grief over the loss of these majestic creatures.
The highly contagious viral infection, primarily associated with wild birds, spreads through respiratory secretions and direct contact between infected birds. It can also be contracted by mammals that consume infected birds or their byproducts. As a precaution, the sanctuary has been placed under quarantine and is currently closed to the public to prevent further spread of the virus.
According to the sanctuary's director, Mark Mathews, the deaths occurred between late November and mid-December, marking an unprecedented challenge for the facility. "We've never had anything like it," he told the New York Times. "They usually die basically of old age, not something like this; it's a pretty wicked virus." The tragic toll includes five African serval cats, four bobcats, and two Canada lynx, leaving only 17 felines remaining at the sanctuary.
The sanctuary warned that cats are particularly susceptible to this virus, which can lead to rapid deterioration within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like symptoms. The ongoing bird flu crisis has also prompted concerns across the nation, spreading among poultry and cattle, with emerging cases in humans reported as well.
As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a total of 61 human cases of bird flu in the US, though the overall risk to the public remains low. The CDC emphasizes there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission. However, the severity of cases has varied, with one individual hospitalized in Louisiana recently.
In response to the rising threat from the virus, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency concerning the bird flu outbreak among dairy cows to facilitate a swift government response. This incident highlights the urgent need for monitoring wildlife and agricultural health as the bird flu continues to pose risks to both animal populations and human health.
