Bird Flu Kills 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary, Causing Quarantine

FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A devastating bird flu outbreak has killed 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Shelton, Wash.

The deaths, which include four cougars and a half-Bengal tiger, have led the sanctuary to declare a quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus.

"Our sanctuary is under quarantine to protect our remaining animals and prevent further spread," the center said in a statement to NPR, adding that it will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The outbreak, which began in late November, has claimed more than half of the sanctuary’s animals. Experts believe the virus may have been transmitted via respiratory secretions from infected birds or contaminated meat fed to the cats.

In response, the sanctuary has removed 8,000 pounds of stored food and conducted deep cleaning to minimize further risk, though these efforts have strained its financial resources.

"The mounting medical costs, even at discounted rates, are significant," the sanctuary said, appealing for donations to cover expenses.

While some of the infected cats shared a wall between their habitats, the sanctuary clarified that the animals did not have direct contact. The 17 surviving animals, including cougars, bobcats, servals, and tigers, remain under close observation.

This outbreak comes amid heightened concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in the United States. Earlier this month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency following its spread among dairy cattle, while outbreaks have been reported in wild and domestic bird populations across several states.

While the virus primarily affects birds, it has also shown the ability to infect mammals, including domestic pets and wildlife.

In fact, bird flu also prompted the recall of a popular pet food product. Northwest Naturals advised customers to discard two-pound bags of its Feline Turkey Recipe with best-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, after authorities linked the product to a cat’s death from bird flu.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first severe human case of bird flu in the U.S. -- a Louisiana resident who was hospitalized after exposure to infected backyard poultry.

More information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the bird flu outbreak.

SOURCE: NPR, news release, Dec. 26, 2024