A devastating bird flu outbreak at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington has claimed the lives of 20 big cats, more than half the facility's population, prompting quarantine measures and a call for community support.

The outbreak, which began shortly after Thanksgiving, has led to the deaths of various species, including servals, bobcats, and an Amur-Bengal tiger mix, highlighting the vulnerability of these animals to highly pathogenic avian influenza. The center, now under quarantine, is collaborating with health officials to address the crisis while seeking community support to mitigate the financial impact of the outbreak.

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington disclosed the losses on their official Facebook page, detailing the unfortunate events that unfolded since the first cat fell ill around Thanksgiving. It was around this time that the facility began experiencing symptoms consistent with bird flu, marking the start of a rapid and tragic decline in their big cat population.

Among the deceased animals were five African servals, four bobcats, four cougars, two Canada Lynxes, and one Amur-Bengal tiger mix. This staggering number reflects the severity of the outbreak, as it accounted for over half of the sanctuary's total big cat residents. The situation raises alarms about the susceptibility of these species to avian influenza, especially given that the disease is particularly aggressive in felines, where progression can occur rapidly, sometimes leading to death within just 24 hours of symptom onset.

In response to the outbreak, the sanctuary has initiated a quarantine to halt any further spread of the disease. The facility is currently closed to the public, ensuring that the disease does not spread beyond its confines. The management is working closely with federal and state animal health officials, as well as a team of veterinarians, to implement precautionary measures aimed at managing the outbreak and developing treatment strategies for any remaining animals under their care.

The severity of the situation has led the sanctuary to issue a plea for community assistance. The loss of over half their big cats has imposed a significant financial burden on the facility, necessitating public support to ensure their operations can continue amid the crisis. The center emphasizes the critical need for funding and resources to address the health needs of the surviving animals as well as to sustain their ongoing efforts in wildlife advocacy and conservation.

While bird flu has been predominantly noted in avian populations, the recent outbreak at the sanctuary exemplifies the virus's capacity to affect mammals, particularly felines. Previous instances of bird flu transmission to humans have been recorded, though they are considered rare. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that appropriate safety measures are maintained to protect both the humans working with the animals and the broader community.

The ongoing events serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of wildlife health and public health. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center continues to engage with various stakeholders, aiming to coordinate efforts to address the crisis effectively while safeguarding the future of their programs dedicated to big cat preservation.