Reports from wildlife conservation organizations or news outlets

Bird Flu Outbreak Escalates in US: First Human Case in Los Angeles, 20 Big Cats Die in Washington, California Declares Emergency

Dec 25, 2024, 08:05 PM

The bird flu outbreak has escalated in the United States, with Los Angeles County confirming its first human case of H5 bird flu. This development follows a statewide emergency declaration in California due to the spread of the virus. Additionally, the outbreak has severely impacted wildlife, with 20 big cats dying from bird flu at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington, over several weeks. The sanctuary, which is now under quarantine, reported that the cats, including a Bengal tiger, cougars, bobcats, and African servals, succumbed to the virus. The virus has also affected dairy herds, with California reporting 675 infected herds, contributing to a national total of 891 herds across 16 states. The outbreak's impact extends to other states, with detections in wild birds in Montana, New Mexico, Kansas, and Utah.