California Sanctuary Faces Valley Fever Outbreak Affecting Snow Leopards and Humans
Project Survival Cat Haven, a big-cat sanctuary in Dunlap, California, is dealing with an outbreak of Valley fever, a fungal infection that has affected two of its snow leopards. The illness, caused by inhaling spores from the fungus Coccidioides, is also a concern for humans, as an inspector at the sanctuary has contracted the disease. Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is prevalent in soil across parts of the Southwest and south-central Washington state. The sanctuary had previously lost a lion to the disease, highlighting the severity of the infection. One of the affected leopards, Jackson, has been battling the illness for four years and requires ongoing medication. The sanctuary is now on high alert, monitoring both animals and staff for symptoms, which can include fatigue, coughing, and muscle aches. 
