Wild Cat Sanctuary Hit Hard by Avian Flu Outbreak

A devastating avian flu outbreak has struck the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Mason County, resulting in the deaths of more than half of the large cats housed at the sanctuary.

The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the presence of the virus at the nonprofit sanctuary located on Harstine Island. Officials from the state and the United States Department of Agriculture are currently investigating how the cats contracted the disease.

“We’ve lost 20 cats due to this virus, or symptoms of this bird flu virus,” said Mark Mathews, the center’s director. Mathews, who founded the sanctuary two decades ago, expressed his disbelief over the situation. “Every day, it’s just kind of you wake up and you think hopefully it’s a bad dream, but it’s not.”

The sanctuary housed 37 cats before the outbreak, but the number has dropped to 17. The first signs of illness appeared around Thanksgiving, and by early December, state officials confirmed the flu had infected some of the cats.

In response, the facility is now under quarantine, and access is limited to a small number of individuals wearing protective gear. Of the remaining cats, one is in critical condition, four are improving, and the rest have shown no symptoms.

Mathews highlighted the financial toll of the outbreak, with costs for medical care and food disposal already reaching tens of thousands of dollars. “I suspect we’ll probably be around $150,000 in damages before this is all over,” he noted. The sanctuary has been forced to discard large quantities of meat to prevent further spread.

Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle explained that cats often contract the virus from contaminated meat or carcasses. “Cats are highly susceptible to avian influenza viruses,” she said. Avian flu has been present in the state for nearly three years, affecting various mammals, including raccoons and seals.

The state agriculture department has confirmed 11 human cases of avian flu, all among poultry farm workers. None experienced severe symptoms. Dr. Itle reassured the public that there is no indication of the virus spreading between mammals or from mammals to humans.

The sanctuary remains closed but aims to welcome visitors again in the spring. Community members can offer Support through donations available on the center’s website.

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