A severe bird flu outbreak has resulted in the deaths of 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington state. The sanctuary's director, Mark Mathews, reported that the first case emerged around Thanksgiving, and symptoms progressed rapidly among the cats. The sanctuary is now under quarantine, with only 17 cats remaining. Health officials are investigating the outbreak while the sanctuary emphasizes the need for stringent biosecurity measures in response. The situation underscores the growing concern over bird flu affecting not just avian species but also felines and other mammals.