Guilford County Animal Shelter Halts Cat Intake Amid Virus Outbreak

 

 

Guilford County Animal Services has temporarily halted cat intake following the detection of a potentially deadly virus in two kittens. Shelter leaders have reported that nearly 30 cats are currently under quarantine due to the outbreak.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus Detected in Kittens

On Wednesday, Guilford County Animal Services announced a pause in cat intake after identifying the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in two newly received kittens. The kittens tested positive for FPV on Tuesday. This virus primarily affects kittens and unvaccinated cats by weakening their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other infections.

Symptoms and Transmission of FPV

The shelter identified common symptoms of FPV, which include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, lethargy, painful abdomen, lack of appetite, and dehydration. FPV spreads when cats ingest viral material from infected cats, often through shared living spaces or litter boxes.

Dr. Melina Whitaker, chief veterinarian at Guilford County Animal Services, emphasized that while FPV is not harmful to humans, it poses a serious threat to cats. “What we see with panleukopenia is vomiting and diarrhea,” she explained. “Sometimes kittens will simply die because of feline panleukopenia.”

Quarantine Measures and Shelter Response

Despite the presence of FPV, most of the other 235 cats at the shelter have not shown symptoms. A few kittens exhibited mild symptoms but tested negative for the virus. To prevent the spread of FPV, the shelter has quarantined 28 cats that were in contact with the infected kittens for 10 days.

Dr. Whitaker mentioned that the health of the infected kittens deteriorated rapidly, necessitating euthanasia. The primary goal of the quarantine and intake pause is to contain the virus and prevent a larger outbreak. “We are still trying to keep the animals moving through the shelter,” she said. “We’re just trying not to take any in for the rest of the week to ensure we’re good and to prevent a full-blown outbreak.”

Previous Virus Outbreak and Financial Impacts

Earlier in May, the shelter faced another virus outbreak, this time involving parvovirus in several dogs. These recurring health issues have forced the shelter to purchase additional safety supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), placing a financial strain on the facility. “We have to purchase more PPE to ensure we’re protecting ourselves and the other animals,” Dr. Whitaker noted. “So it does put a little bit of a financial burden on the shelter.”

Impact on Shelter Operations and Animal Welfare

Currently, the shelter is nearing its capacity with 445 animals. The high population density may exacerbate the spread of illnesses. Lisa Lee, assistant director of animal welfare at GCAS, suggested that fostering pets could help alleviate the situation. “By taking these animals into your home and keeping them safe and social, it’s the best for the animal, best for their health and safety,” she said. There are numerous cats available for adoption and fostering.

Preventative Measures for Cat Owners

Dr. Whitaker advises cat owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against FPV. While many adult cats have natural immunity or have been previously vaccinated, it’s crucial to maintain regular vaccinations. If a cat begins showing symptoms of FPV, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.