The Wild Felid Advocacy Center, an animal shelter located in Washington State (United States), had to close its doors due to bird flu. Twenty big cats have died after contracting this disease.
A closure imposed by the situation
The Washington Post reports a worrying health situation linked to the bird fluFriday December 27. More than half of the big felines hosted at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington (UNITED STATES) succumbed to this disease. In total, 20 felines lost their lives out of the 37 present in the shelter, specifies BFMTV. As a result, the establishment was forced to close its doors.
An animal still in critical condition
Shelter director Mark Mathews said the outbreak began in late November. The main victims are felines having previously suffered from medical problems and young specimens. While three animals have recovered, one African serval remains in critical condition.
The establishment was placed in quarantine while waiting for authorities to identify the source of the contamination. Now employees and volunteers are required to wear protective equipment to work.
A worrying resurgence
The strains ofH5N1 spread rapidly among animals UNITED STATES. According to Mark Mathews, these great felines could have been infected by eating contaminated meat or coming into contact with migratory birds carrying the virus. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has also noted an increase in cases of bird flu in wild animals.
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