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Bird flu has killed 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington state. The devastation has claimed half of the animals in the sanctuary's care.
Otherwise known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), bird flu is an infection caused by the Type A H5N1 virus that typically circulates among wild birds, but can sometimes spread to domestic poultry – and, in rare cases, transmit to humans and other animals.
Unfortunately, the disease has now moved into wildcat species at the sanctuary. “The only thing I can compare it to, as a veteran, is being in a war zone,” director Mark Mathews told The Seattle Times.
The sanctuary explained in a statement on Facebook that "we have suffered significant losses among our beloved residents. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of the following wild cats:
- 1 Amur/Bengal Tiger: Tabbi
- 4 Cougars: Hooligan, Holly, Harley, Hannah Wyoming
- 1 African Caracal: Crackle
- 2 Canada Lynx: Chuckie and P'uch'ub
- 1 Geoffroy Cat: Mouse
- 1 Bengal Cat: Pebbles
- 1 Eurasian Lynx: Thumper
- 4 Bobcats: Digger, Willie-Bob, Ruffian, Tank
- 5 African Servals: Nile, Percival, Nefertiti, Blondie, Shasta"
"This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals," the post says.
"Now, we turn to the community for support as we focus on the care and recovery of our surviving felids. The mounting medical costs, even at discounted rates, have placed a significant financial strain on our sanctuary."
The sanctuary is currently closed and under quarantine while staff attempt to disinfect the facilities and protect the remaining cats. The team is working with federal and state animal health authorities, as well as Mason Country health officials and private veterinarians, to develop prevention strategies while overseeing the treatment of the animals.
