California Sanctuary Faces Health Challenge as Snow Leopards Contract Valley Fever
Two snow leopards at Project Survival Cat Haven in Dunlap, California, have been diagnosed with Valley fever, a fungal illness that can also affect humans. This development follows a previous incident where the sanctuary lost a lion to the same illness. Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores from the fungus Coccidioides, which is found in soil in parts of the Southwest and south-central Washington state. The sanctuary is now on high alert, monitoring both animals and staff for signs of the illness. The condition can cause serious symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath, and can persist for weeks or months. The sanctuary is taking precautions to reduce exposure to the fungus, which can be spread through dust, especially after rainy periods followed by dry weather. 
