A bird flu outbreak has claimed the lives of 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center located in Shelton, Washington, leaving both supporters and staff mourning the devastating loss of these majestic animals. The outbreak, which began shortly before Thanksgiving, has unfolded with alarming speed, leading the center’s staff to quarantine the facility and implement extensive cleaning protocols.
According to Mark Mathews, the director of the center, the first symptoms among the cats appeared at the end of November. The sanctuary reported the initial death, which was a cougar, on November 23, just as other cats began to exhibit pneumonia-like symptoms. Sadly, the deaths continued through December 13, with the last casualty being an African serval.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before; usually they die of old age,” Mathews expressed, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the tragedy. “Not something like this, it’s a pretty wicked virus,” he conveyed to the New York Times after the incidents were confirmed.
The 20 big cats included five African servals, four cougars, and rare species such as the Amur/Bengal tiger and Canada lynx. At the start of the outbreak, the sanctuary housed 37 cats, but as the situation escalated, only 17 cats remain. “This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals,” the center stated on its social media platforms, appealing for community support during this difficult time.
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife reported earlier this month not only confirmed cases of bird flu among wildlife but also noted similar infections found among two cougars elsewhere in the state. Although the specific source of the virus at the sanctuary is still under investigation, Mathews suggested it might have entered through infected bird droppings or contaminated meat used for feeding.
With the outbreak’s confirmation, the sanctuary took immediate action to minimize infection risks by removing 8,000 pounds of food from its storage, proactively seeking ways to safeguard the remaining felines. This included detailed disinfecting of enclosures, where every organic material was removed, incinerated, and sanitized thoroughly. “We have to go through and disinfect every enclosure... After letting everything sit for a few weeks, we’ll begin introducing the remaining cats back to the adjusted environments,” Mathews explained.
The biological threat of bird flu is not to be underestimated, particularly considering the strain currently circulating among avian populations, known as the H5N1 virus. First identified as spreading rapidly among birds, this version has also infected cats across the nation, raising concerns for wildlife and domestic animal health alike. Cats are particularly susceptible to avian influenza, which can initiate mild symptoms but can swiftly progress to severe respiratory distress, often resulting in death within just 24 hours.
Mathews demurred about the emotional toll on staff as they navigate this crisis, stating, “Every day, it’s just kind of you wake up and you think hopefully it’s a bad dream, but it’s not.” The sanctuary, which boasts not only therapy animals but also endangered species often featured to educate the public, now faces uncertain futures for its operations and the felines still present.
Health experts are urging facilities across the nation to implement precautionary measures after five zoo animals tragically succumbed to the virus from infection outside Phoenix, rousing fears of broader impacts. This alarming trend prompted zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to reiterate biosecurity protocols vehemently to protect other animals.
While many safeguards are being put in place to prevent additional cases, each confirmed death serves as a chilling reminder of the strains placed on wildlife affected by pathogens typically associated with avian species. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center remains closed until thorough disinfection is completed, reflecting the serious nature of the viral threat and the commitment to protect both its animals and the visiting public.
Looking forward, the center aims to fully understand how the infection emerged and spread to their contingent of precious wildlife. Continued collaboration with health officials will remain pivotal as they navigate this unprecedented challenge. Although they mourn their losses, the sanctuary is resolute in ensuring the safety and health of the remaining cats, determined to emerge as guardians of these vulnerable species.
