The rise of the Bird Flu, specifically the Influenza virus subtype H5N1, has been a growing concern for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) since November/December of 2022. Initially identified in 1996 in Southern China among waterfowl, causing only mild disease, this highly contagious viral subtype steadily spread worldwide, devastating poultry flocks across the globe as it is almost always deadly in domesticated birds. Cases for this current outbreak were first detected in the United States in early 2022. Over the years, the virus has mutated and created several variants, allowing for better spread of the disease. What began as isolated incidents among migratory bird populations has since escalated wiping out huge flocks of domesticated birds, and then jumping to mammals where it has now been detected in dairy cows, cats (including wild species), pigs, humans, and various wildlife, like bear, foxes, skunks, and opossums.
The Bird Flu is spread through exposure of an infected bird’s saliva, mucus, and feces, or the consumption of an infected bird or an infected mammal. Due to increasing concerns over its spread, in late 2023, TCWR’s onsite veterinarian, Dr. Kellyn Sweeley, and animal curator, Emily McCormack, decided to halt the intake of non-commercial poultry, concerned that the virus could be transmitted to the animals through their diets. Fortunately, commercial poultry is highly regulated, so infected birds have very little chance of ever reaching the human food chain. In March 2024, it was confirmed for the first time ever that the disease had spread into a herd of dairy cattle in Texas where reports indicated low milk production, abnormal feces, and barn cats dying after consuming raw milk. By late Spring, the disease had moved into New Mexico and Indiana dairy cattle herds.
By December 2024, the disease had been reported and seen in wildcat populations within accredited AZA (Association of Accredited Zoos & Aquariums) zoos and other facilities. The facilities include The Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington, where twenty of their wildcats passed due to, they suspect, the feeding of contaminated food that was not commercially regulated. The twenty animals included African Servals, bobcats, cougars, Canadian Lynxes, and a tiger.
The American Veterinary Medical Association mentions that cats are particularly vulnerable to the bird flu, where symptoms progress rapidly, often resulting in death within 48 hours. Symptoms include pneumonia-like conditions, neurological signs, lack of coordination, lethargy, and low appetite.
TCWR’S Mitigation Strategy
As the endemic continues to evolve, the staff and team are prepared to take the necessary precautions to prevent this disease from spreading to our animals. Below is an outline of the precautions our team continues to carry out.
- Ensure strict adherence to not feeding non-commercially sourced poultry, waterfowl, or dairy cattle;
- Accept poultry and waterfowl donations in commercial packaging only – will not use donations including eggs from backyard/hobbyist flocks and/or hunters;
- Use of wildlife deterrents and ensure all leftover diet from enclosures/animal(s) are discarded appropriately;
- Continue maintenance of the grounds and habitats as previously done, ensuring perimeter fencing is secure to limit access of wildlife into areas;
- Proper daily disinfection of any equipment used for cleaning enclosures ;
- Proper daily disinfection of animal water dishes and food dishes, along with all commissary utensils, scales, floors, tables, and shoe baths to help eliminate any contamination from the outside environment
As we continue to navigate the growing threat of the Bird Flu, TCWR is committed to doing everything in our power to protect the animals we all care about. However, the fight against this evolving disease requires collective efforts of the community to help prevent its spread and protect both domestic and wild animals. We encourage everyone – from pet owners to farmers – to be vigilant and follow local guidelines. By practicing responsible animal management and spreading awareness, we can help safeguard wildlife and ensure that facilities, like TCWR, remain safe.
Anderson, N.F. & Kaye, R. (2024, December 26). Bird flu kills more than half the big cats at a Washington sanctuary. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/25/us/bird-flu-washington-cats-cases/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 6). Emergence and evolution of H5N1 bird flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/flu/avianflu/communication-resources/bird-flu-origin-infographic.html