Timeline: Bird flu outbreak kills big cats at shelter south of Seattle
SHELTON, Wash. - A Washington-based animal shelter is closed to the public and is quarantining its animals after 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger, died from contracting bird flu earlier this month.
On Dec. 20, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington announced on Facebook that highly pathogenic avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, had affected more than half of its wild cats. Workers at the sanctuary are devastated after losing so many animals in such a short amount of time and are working hard to prevent it from spreading to any other cats.
Mouse the Geoffroy's Cat. (Via Karen D. on Yelp)
As this situation develops, FOX 13 has created a timeline of the outbreak at the sanctuary.
Dec. 2: Large cats at WA animal shelter experience unknown illness
On December 2, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington temporarily closed to the public to protect the cats in its care, stating that some of the animals were experiencing an unknown illness.
"We, along with our veterinary team, are working tirelessly to determine the cause and come up with a solution," the shelter wrote on Facebook.
At the time, the shelter believed it would fully reopen in the new year. The shelter also encouraged anyone who had a scheduled visit in December to reach out for a full refund.
"No inquiries or comments are appreciated at this time. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available."
Dec. 6: Health officials confirm presence of bird flu at WA animal shelter
On December 6, the shelter announced that animal health officials had confirmed the presence of bird flu in some of the cats.
After receiving confirmation, the shelter announced that the facility was under quarantine and would remain closed until the quarantine was lifted.
"We are working hard with federal and state animal health officials, as well as county public health officials, to ensure that our staff, volunteers, and all animals are monitored closely," the shelter announced on Facebook. "As an animal sanctuary, we are equipped to manage viruses effectively by enforcing strict biosecurity measures, quarantining affected animals, and disinfecting properly to protect our other animals and the public."
At the time, the shelter explained that bird flu is a viral infection carried by wild birds and spread through bird-to-bird contact.
A Bengal tiger was among those lose to a bird flu outbreak at Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington in December 2024.
Dec. 20: WA animal shelter devastated after 20 big cats die from bird flu
On December 20, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington made an urgent announcement, saying that more than half of the animals in the sanctuary had been affected by the bird flu outbreak and that 20 animals had died as a result.
In this post, the shelter explained that, in addition to bird-to-bird contact, bird flu can also be contracted by carnivorous mammals that eat infected birds or other products.
"Cats are particularly vulnerable to this virus, which can cause subtle initial symptoms but progress rapidly, often resulting in death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions," the shelter announced on Dec. 20.
Dec. 20: WA shelter lists the cats that died from the bird flu outbreak
"We have suffered significant losses among our beloved residents. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of the following wild cats:
- 1 Amur/Bengal tiger: Tabbi
- 4 cougars: Hooligan, Holly, Harley, Hannah Wyoming
- 1 African caracal: Crackle
- 2 Canadian lynx: Chickie and P’uch’ub
- 1 Geoffroy cat: Mouse
- 1 Bengal cat: Pebbles
- 1 Eurasian lynx: Thumper
- 4 bobcats: Digger, Willie-Bob, Ruffian, Tank
- 5 African servals: Nile, Percival, Nefertiti, Blondie, Shasta"
Expert private veterinarians are overseeing treatment and prevention strategies, while strict biosecurity measures and comprehensive disinfection protocols are being implemented.
"This tragedy has deeply affected our team, and we are all grieving the loss of these incredible animals," the center wrote. "Now, we turn to the community for support as we focus on the care and recovery of our surviving felids. The mounting medical costs, even at discounted rates, have placed a significant financial strain on our sanctuary."
Anyone who would like to make a donation to support the ongoing care of the shelter’s animals can contribute using PayPal on its website.
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