The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington state has been severely impacted by a bird flu outbreak, leading to the tragic deaths of 20 big cats, including cougars, bobcats, lynx, and a beloved Bengal tiger. Director Mark Mathews described the emotional devastation as comparable to a war zone, reflecting the profound impact on the sanctuary staff. The center is currently closed to the public, with all remaining animals quarantined as officials investigate the source of the virus. Possible routes of infection include exposure to wild bird droppings, contaminated food sources, and equipment. The bird flu virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been present in Washington since 2022, affecting not only birds but also mammals, including recent cases involving harbor seals.

As the situation develops, Mathews hopes to reopen the sanctuary by the new year, pending successful containment measures. This outbreak underscores broader concerns about the spread of bird flu and its implications for wildlife and potential human health risks, although the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently maintains that the risk to humans remains low.