<
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/26/nx-s1-5239841/bird-flu-kills-20-cats-washington-sanctuary>
'An animal sanctuary in Shelton, Wash., is under quarantine after a bird flu
outbreak killed 20 big cats at the facility over the past month.
The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington called the deaths "heartbreaking,"
confirming the virus has claimed more than half its animals, including four
cougars and a half-Bengal tiger, since late November.
"Our sanctuary is under quarantine to protect our remaining animals and prevent
further spread," the center said in a statement, adding it will remain closed
to the public until further notice.
The sanctuary said the outbreak may have been caused by respiratory secretions
passed from infected birds to the cats or by contaminated meat fed to the cats.
It said bird flu poses a serious risk to felines, often progressing from mild
symptoms to fatal pneumonia within 24 hours.
The first cat, a cougar, died on Nov. 23 after showing signs of the illness.
The virus then quickly sickened many other animals across the sanctuary. While
some of the cats shared a wall between their habitats, they did not have direct
contact.
The sanctuary's 17 surviving animals — cougars, bobcats, servals, and tigers —
remain under close observation.
In response, the sanctuary removed 8,000 pounds of food from storage and began
deep cleaning, but the nonprofit says the measures have strained its finances.
"The mounting medical costs, even at discounted rates, are significant," it
said, appealing for donations to cover expenses.
The outbreak comes amid rising concerns over bird flu in the U.S.'
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
