Guilford County Animal Services announced Wednesday it is pausing cat intake due to a virus seen in kittens.Shelter leaders say they recently received two kittens showing symptoms of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). On Tuesday, the kittens tested positive for the virus.FPV is most common in kittens and unvaccinated cats. The virus weakens a cat’s immune system, leaving them susceptible to other viruses and bacteria.The shelter says the most common symptoms of FPV include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, lethargy, a painful abdomen, lack of appetite, and dehydration.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereThe virus can spread when cats ingest viral material from other cats. This can occur when they share the same living space or use the same litterbox.Dr. Melina Whitaker, chief veterinarian with Guilford County Animal Services, says the virus is not dangerous to humans but can be serious for cats.“What we see with panleukopenia is vomiting and diarrhea,” she said. “Sometimes kittens will simply die because of feline panleukopenia.”Whitaker says most of the other 235 cats at the shelter haven’t shown any symptoms of FPV. She says a couple of kittens showed one symptom but tested negative for the virus.However, the shelter says the cats that were around the sick kittens are being quarantined for 10 days to ensure they aren’t sick and to contain the virus’s potential spread.Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.Whitaker said 28 cats are being quarantined. She also said the sick kittens’ health declined significantly, leading the shelter to euthanize them.The goal of the quarantine and intake pause is to stop the virus from spreading around the shelter.“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.”In early May, the shelter dealt with another virus. They reported receiving several dogs infected with parvovirus.Whitaker says dealing with these illnesses means the shelter is having to buy extra safety supplies.“We have to purchase more PPE to ensure we’re protecting ourselves and the other animals,” she said. “So it does put a little bit of a financial burden on the shelter.”Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsSo far, the shelter hasn’t had any issues purchasing the supplies it needs. However, the illnesses have more than just a financial impact.“It is hard on staff to have some of these animals that we have been taking care of get sick,” she said. “And especially if we have to let them go.”On top of the illnesses, shelter leaders say the shelter is nearly at capacity. On Wednesday, they said the shelter had a total of 445 animals in its care.Lisa Lee, assistant director of animal welfare with GCAS, says the high animal population may contribute to the spread of illnesses.One way people can help is by fostering furry friends.“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.Lee says there are dozens of cats available for adoption and fostering.Whitaker says cat owners should ensure their kittens or cats have received all their shots. She also says many adult cats have natural immunity or have already been vaccinated.If your cat begins showing symptoms of FPV, contact your veterinarian. To learn more about the Guilford County Animal Shelter, click here.To find out ways you can help a fluffy friend find their “fur-ever” home, check out the WXII 12 Pets Facebook page. NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love | Trending Stories
Guilford County Animal Services announced Wednesday it is pausing cat intake due to a virus seen in kittens.
Shelter leaders say they recently received two kittens showing symptoms of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). On Tuesday, the kittens tested positive for the virus.
FPV is most common in kittens and unvaccinated cats. The virus weakens a cat’s immune system, leaving them susceptible to other viruses and bacteria.
The shelter says the most common symptoms of FPV include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, lethargy, a painful abdomen, lack of appetite, and dehydration.
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here
The virus can spread when cats ingest viral material from other cats. This can occur when they share the same living space or use the same litterbox.
Dr. Melina Whitaker, chief veterinarian with Guilford County Animal Services, says the virus is not dangerous to humans but can be serious for cats.
“What we see with panleukopenia is vomiting and diarrhea,” she said. “Sometimes kittens will simply die because of feline panleukopenia.”
Whitaker says most of the other 235 cats at the shelter haven’t shown any symptoms of FPV. She says a couple of kittens showed one symptom but tested negative for the virus.
However, the shelter says the cats that were around the sick kittens are being quarantined for 10 days to ensure they aren’t sick and to contain the virus’s potential spread.
Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.
Whitaker said 28 cats are being quarantined. She also said the sick kittens’ health declined significantly, leading the shelter to euthanize them.
The goal of the quarantine and intake pause is to stop the virus from spreading around the shelter.
“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.”
In early May, the shelter dealt with another virus. They reported receiving several dogs infected with parvovirus.
Whitaker says dealing with these illnesses means the shelter is having to buy extra safety supplies.
“We have to purchase more PPE to ensure we’re protecting ourselves and the other animals,” she said. “So it does put a little bit of a financial burden on the shelter.”
Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscasts
So far, the shelter hasn’t had any issues purchasing the supplies it needs. However, the illnesses have more than just a financial impact.
“It is hard on staff to have some of these animals that we have been taking care of get sick,” she said. “And especially if we have to let them go.”
On top of the illnesses, shelter leaders say the shelter is nearly at capacity. On Wednesday, they said the shelter had a total of 445 animals in its care.
Lisa Lee, assistant director of animal welfare with GCAS, says the high animal population may contribute to the spread of illnesses.
One way people can help is by fostering furry friends.
“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.
Lee says there are dozens of cats available for adoption and fostering.
Whitaker says cat owners should ensure their kittens or cats have received all their shots. She also says many adult cats have natural immunity or have already been vaccinated.
If your cat begins showing symptoms of FPV, contact your veterinarian.
To learn more about the Guilford County Animal Shelter, click here.
To find out ways you can help a fluffy friend find their “fur-ever” home, check out the WXII 12 Pets Facebook page.
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