A devastating bird flu outbreak has claimed the lives of 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Shelton, Washington. Among the deceased are four cougars and a half-Bengal tiger. To protect its remaining animals and prevent further spread, the sanctuary has declared a quarantine.

"Our sanctuary is under quarantine to protect our remaining animals and prevent further spread," the center said in a statement to NPR. It will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The outbreak, which began in late November, has decimated over half of the sanctuary’s animal population. Experts believe the virus may have been transmitted through respiratory secretions from infected birds or contaminated meat consumed by the cats.

In an effort to mitigate further risks, the sanctuary has taken extensive measures, including removing 8,000 pounds of stored food and conducting deep cleaning. These precautions have placed a heavy financial burden on the organization.

"The mounting medical costs, even at discounted rates, are significant," the sanctuary noted, appealing for donations to help cover expenses.

While some of the infected cats shared walls between their habitats, the sanctuary clarified that the animals did not have direct contact. The remaining 17 animals, which include cougars, bobcats, servals, and tigers, are under close observation.

This outbreak occurs against the backdrop of heightened concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in the United States. Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the virus's spread among dairy cattle. Outbreaks have also been reported in wild and domestic bird populations across several states.

Although bird flu primarily affects birds, it has shown the ability to infect mammals, including domestic pets and wildlife. Recently, the virus prompted the recall of a popular pet food product. Northwest Naturals advised customers to discard two-pound bags of its Feline Turkey Recipe, with best-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, after the product was linked to a cat's death from bird flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first severe human case of bird flu in the U.S. earlier this month. A Louisiana resident was hospitalized after exposure to infected backyard poultry, underscoring the virus's potential risks to human health.