Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter suspending cat adoption due to virus

The Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter is suspending its intake and adoption of cats and kittens for at least two weeks after a cat tested positive for feline panleukopenia.

The cats and kittens currently being sheltered will be quarantined while the facility is treated.

Drop boxes outside the facility are also closed until further notice, according to a news release issued Tuesday. People who want to surrender a cat should research area rescues, the release states.

People who are looking for a lost cat can still visit the shelter to claim their animal, and lost cats can be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. Kittens are the most severely affected because they have weaker immune systems than older cats. It does not infect people.

Dr. Megan Arevalo, the shelter's veterinarian, said in the news release that the shelter is in the process of sanitizing quarantine areas and monitoring cats and kittens for symptoms.

"As a county shelter, we have residents surrender animals to us that unfortunately are not always healthy," Arevalo said. "It's a very sad situation but we are providing them with the best possible care during this process."

Vaccinations are the best defense against the disease, and the shelter is implementing new protocols to minimize the risk of contagious diseases, according to the news release. Cats and kittens are vaccinated on intake, but they are not fully protected until they have received a booster.

When pets are adopted, staff also instruct all new pet owners to take their pets to a vet for an examination as soon as possible.

People who want to help the shelter during the outbreak can donate metal litter boxes, which are easier to disinfect than plastic ones. The shelter also has a list of needed items at amazon.com. Call 850-983-4680 for more information.