Bird Flu outbreak claims Lives at big cats die from bird flu at Washington wildlife sanctuary – MSN”>Washington State Wildlife Sanctuary
A devastating avian influenza outbreak has struck a Washington state wildlife sanctuary, resulting in the deaths of numerous big cats and other animals between late November and mid-December. The unprecedented event has left sanctuary officials reeling and highlights the expanding reach of the virus.
Mark Mathews, director of the sanctuary, described the situation to the New York Times as unlike anything he’d ever witnessed. “We’ve never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age,” he stated. “Not something like this, it’s a pretty wicked virus.”
The losses are significant. The sanctuary reported the deaths of five African serval cats, four bobcats, two Canada lynx, a Bengal tiger, and other animals. Only 17 cats remain at the facility, a stark reminder of the virus’s impact.
In a Friday Facebook post, the sanctuary explained the vulnerability of felines to this strain of avian flu. “Cats are notably vulnerable to this virus,which can cause subtle initial symptoms but progress rapidly,frequently enough resulting in death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions,” the statement read.
This outbreak comes amidst a broader concern regarding the spread of avian influenza. While the virus has long affected poultry in the U.S., its infection of cattle began in March 2024. The centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 61 human cases since April 2024, although the agency maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, with no sustained human-to-human transmission observed. Most human cases have presented mild symptoms; however,one individual in Louisiana required hospitalization this month due to a severe infection.
The severity of the situation prompted action in California. Last week, Governor Gavin newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the outbreak among dairy cows, aiming to provide the necessary “resources and adaptability they need to respond quickly to this outbreak.”
The situation underscores the evolving nature of the avian flu and its potential impact on various animal populations, prompting ongoing monitoring and preventative measures across the nation.
interview with Mark Mathews, director of Washington State Wildlife Sanctuary
interviewer: Mark, can you describe the situation at the sanctuary?
Mark Mathews: ItS been devastating. we lost numerous big cats between late November and mid-December [1]. We’ve never seen anything like this. These animals usually live long lives and pass away of old age. This virus is unlike anything we’ve encountered before, it’s incredibly strong. [1]
Interviewer: what kinds of animals have been affected?
Mark Mathews: We’ve lost five African serval cats, four bobcats, two Canada lynx, a Bengal tiger, and other animals.[1] It’s heartbreaking. Only 17 cats remain at the facility.[1]
Interviewer: Why are cats so vulnerable to this strain of avian flu?
Mark Mathews: Cats are particularly susceptible to this virus. It can start with subtle symptoms and quickly progress into pneumonia-like conditions, often resulting in death within 24 hours. [1]
