Animal shelter temporarily not taking cats due to virus outbreak

Updated: Jun. 27, 2018 at 5:05 PM EDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

CONCORD, NC (WBTV) - The Cabarrus County Animal Shelter has suspended its cat intake because of a case of a virus outbreak among the cats.

Due to an outbreak of the feline panleukopenia virus in one room among its cat population, the shelter will not take surrendered or stray cats through Sunday, July 1.

The animal shelter is located in the 200 block of Betsy Carpenter Pl SW in Concord.

On Tuesday afternoon, staff members noticed a kitten that was very lethargic, a symptom of the highly contagious illness.

The cat tested positive for panleukopenia, and officials say they immediately implemented cross-contamination protocols to contain and prevent the spread of the virus.

No other cats in the building or in the room showed signs or symptoms of the disease, such as lethargy, vomiting and/or diarrhea, according to Shelter Manager Juli Vetere.

All at-risk, non-symptomatic cats were placed with partner rescue organizations for quarantine and treatment if needed, Vetere added.

Staff also notified the shelter veterinarian and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Panleukopenia symptoms can go undetected for up to two weeks, and officials are working to contact rescue organization that have cats that may have been exposed to the virus.

The Cabarrus County Animal Shelter will continue to operate its normal hours for other services, including pet reclamation, adoptions and rescue transfers.

Copyright 2018 WBTV. All rights reserved.