A devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) resulted in the deaths of 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington in December 2024. The outbreak marks one of the most severe cases of bird flu affecting captive wild cats in recent history. “The only thing I can compare it to, as a veteran, is being in a war zone,” said Mark Mathews, founder and director of the sanctuary. “We’ve never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age. Not something like this, it’s a pretty wicked virus.” The Toll The virus … Continue reading H5N1 Bird Flu Kills 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary