A sanctuary in Washington state has been devastated by a recent outbreak of bird flu, resulting in the deaths of 20 big cats, more than half of the facility's population. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, located in Shelton, announced the tragic news on Facebook, revealing that the first death occurred around Thanksgiving.
The affected animals include five African Servals, four bobcats, four cougars, two Canada Lynxes, one Amur-Bengal tiger mix, and other species of big cats. The center's director expressed his shock and sorrow, emphasizing that the situation has been a nightmare for the sanctuary.
While the exact source of the bird flu remains unknown, the sanctuary is currently under quarantine and closed to the public to prevent further spread of the virus. The staff is working diligently with federal and state animal health officials to disinfect enclosures and implement prevention strategies to protect the remaining animals.
The sanctuary's website indicates that they hope to reopen in the new year, once the necessary precautions have been taken. Bird flu primarily spreads through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact, posing a significant risk to carnivorous mammals like big cats.
Cats are particularly vulnerable to bird flu, with symptoms that can progress rapidly and lead to death within 24 hours. The American Veterinary Medical Association outlines various symptoms that cats and dogs may exhibit, including fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
The recent outbreak in Washington state has raised concerns, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife reporting an increase in bird flu cases across the region. The sanctuary staff are devastated by the loss of their beloved animals and are focused on providing care for those that are recovering.
As the sanctuary prepares to disinfect the premises and take additional precautions, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that while rare, human exposure to bird flu viruses from infected animals is possible with prolonged and unprotected contact.
Despite the challenges posed by this outbreak, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington remains committed to the welfare of its animals and is determined to prevent any further spread of bird flu within its facility.
