20 wild cats succumb to bird flu at Shelton sanctuary

[cbabe]

https://mynorthwest.com/4022452/20-wild-cats-succumb-to-bird-flu-at-shelton-sanctuary/

20 wild cats succumb to bird flu at Shelton sanctuary

Dec 23, 2024, 1:54 PM | Updated: 2:00 pm

BY JULIA DALLAS
MyNorthwest Content Editor
A local wild cat sanctuary is mourning the loss of more than a dozen animals as a deadly disease spreads throughout the country.

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington in Shelton lost 20 big cats to bird flu this month, Wild Felid Advocacy Center Director Mark Matthews confirmed to MyNorthwest Monday.

Matthews shared the center initially thought the cats had cancer in the chest area as they exhibited pneumonia-like symptoms. However, further testing revealed positive results for avian influenza, commonly called bird flu.

…
However, the sanctuary will be closed to the public for a couple of months as the animals quarantine, which means the money made from admissions will be lost. Matthews said donations are greatly appreciated in the meantime. To donate, visit this link, or send a check by mail to: Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington at 3111 East Harstine Island Road North, Shelton, Washington 98584.

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[Red Mountain]

1. I had read about cats dying after drinking

milk from avian flu infected cows. I think it was a dairy in Texas, though that's just my memory.

It was not infecting people at that point.

[cbabe]

4. California and Texas. Plus human infections reported at 60 but likely much higher.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/114236130

[maxsolomon]

2. aw man

poor kitties

[2naSalit]

3. Tragic and sad!

Here comes the next ugly-demon-nightmare-virus-from-hell just in time for the orange menace to fuck it all up and make it a million times worse.

[wnylib]

5. All species of felines are susceptible to this virus, including domestic cats.

If you feed ferals, be careful about touching them and their dishes, especially if you have a pet cat of your own. Maybe consider wearing surgical gloves when feeding them and discard the gloves before touching your door to go inside.

Currently, epidemiologists and veterans believe that the virus could be transmitted by fomites, meaning by touching contaminated surfaces as well as by touching infected animals.

Indoor/outdoor pet cats could get infected by hunting birds. Even well fed cats will hunt them just because it is their instinct.