At least 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger, four cougars, a lynx, and four bobcats, have died from bird flu at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington. The deaths, which occurred between late November and mid-December, are part of a growing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting wildlife across the US.
The Wild Felid Advocacy Center, which houses wild cats, confirmed the deaths in a statement, revealing that the disease had impacted over half of the sanctuary’s cats. Director Mark Mathews expressed his shock, noting, “We’ve never had anything like it, they usually die of old age, not from something like this.”
The center had initially closed its doors to the public in late November due to an unexplained illness affecting the animals. After further investigation, animal health officials confirmed that bird flu had spread among the sanctuary’s wild cats. Some cats managed to recover, while one remains in critical condition. Bird flu in felines, contracted from ingesting infected birds, is particularly lethal, often resulting in rapid death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like symptoms.
The center is now under quarantine and has implemented strict biosecurity measures to protect the remaining animals. It has also been working with federal, state, and county officials to manage the outbreak. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that the H5N1 virus has infected wild birds in the region and has confirmed cases in other wild animals, including two cougars.
The bird flu outbreak has not been limited to the sanctuary; recent cases in domestic cats and even dairy cattle have sparked concerns across the US. As authorities continue their investigations, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center is working to ensure the safety of its remaining 17 cats and other animals.
