Two mountain lions in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula have died from bird flu, marking a concerning development in the spread of the disease across species. The deaths were confirmed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization.
One of the cats was found lifeless after its tracking signal showed no movement for hours. The second, an uncollared male, was weak and emaciated, unable to jump over a three-strand wire fence, which is an unusual struggle for a species known for its agility.
Experts say the deaths may signal broader ecological consequences, as mountain lions are considered “canaries in the coal mine” due to their role as apex predators. If bird flu is affecting cougars, it may indicate that the disease has a wider reach in the environment than initially thought.
The virus, Type A H5N1, is believed to have reached the cougars through their diet, likely infected birds or other prey like raccoons. There’s no evidence of direct transmission between cougars, but the deaths of two unrelated animals in the same area raises concerns about the disease’s spread.
Wildlife officials are trying to determine if bird flu poses a high mortality risk for mountain lions and whether they can survive exposure to the virus. Enhanced surveillance is being focused on now, with some suggesting vaccination could be an option in the future.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/bird-flu-mountain-lion-cougar-death-washington-state-2005687