Cat Sanctuary Struggles with Bird Flu Outbreak

In Washington, a horrible event struck the Wild Felid Advocacy Center. Over the course of a few weeks, bird flu claimed the lives of 20 big cats, which is more than half of the sanctuary's population. Located in Shelton, this non-profit sanctuary is now under quarantine to halt the spread of the virus. The first cat passed away around Thanksgiving, and the sanctuary is diligently working with officials to disinfect and protect the remaining animals. Mark Mathews, the director and co-founder, expressed shock and sadness. "I never imagined this would happen to us, " he said, highlighting that their cats are spread out over five acres. The sanctuary's statement revealed that the bird flu spreads through respiratory secretions and can affect carnivores that eat infected birds. Symptoms in cats can be subtle but progress quickly to pneumonia-like conditions. The sanctuary is doing its best to control the situation, hoping to reopen in the new year. Jolie Connolly-Poe, an employee, noted that they are taking extra precautions to avoid further spread. "It’s devastating to see our cats suffer like this, " she said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the disease. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed an increase in bird flu cases among wild animals. While human infections are rare, prolonged exposure to infected animals can be a risk. The sanctuary is committed to protecting the welfare of the remaining cats and preventing further outbreaks.