Guilford County Animal Services announced Wednesday that it is suspending cat consumption due to a virus observed in kittens. Shelter officials say they recently received two kittens exhibiting symptoms of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). On Tuesday, the kittens tested positive for the virus. FPV is more common in unvaccinated kittens and cats. The virus weakens the cat’s immune system, making it vulnerable to other viruses and bacteria. The shelter says the most common symptoms of FPV include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and dehydration. latest interesting news by clicking here The virus can spread when cats ingest viral material from other cats. This can happen when they share the same living space or use the same litter box.Dr. Melina Whitaker, chief veterinarian at 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 die simply from feline panleukopenia. » Whitaker says most of the shelter’s other 235 cats have not shown any symptoms of FPV. She says a few kittens showed a symptom but tested negative for the virus. However, the shelter says cats that were around the sick kittens are quarantined for 10 days to ensure they are not sick and to contain the potential spread of the virus. Keep up to date with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here. Whitaker said 28 cats were in quarantine. She also said the health of the sick kittens had deteriorated significantly, leading the shelter to euthanize them. The purpose of the quarantine and pause in admission is to prevent the virus from spreading around the shelter. “We always try to keep the animals moving around the shelter. ,” she said. “We’re just trying not to take any for the rest of the week to make sure everything’s okay and to avoid a real outbreak.” In early May, the shelter faced another virus. They said they have received several dogs infected with parvovirus, Whitaker says dealing with these illnesses means the shelter must purchase additional safety supplies, “We need to purchase more PPE to ensure that we and other animals are protected.” she said. “So it puts a little financial burden on the shelter.” Watch: NOWCAST streaming news So far, the shelter has had no problem purchasing the supplies it needs. , illnesses have more than just a financial impact. “It’s difficult for the staff to see some of the animals in our care get sick,” she said. “And especially if we have to let them go.” In addition to illnesses, shelter officials say the shelter is near capacity. As of Wednesday, they said the shelter had a total of 445 animals in its care. Lisa Lee, deputy director of animal welfare at GCAS, says the high animal population can contribute to the spread of disease. friends. “By taking these animals into your home and keeping them safe and social, it’s the best for the animal, the 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 make sure their kittens or cats have received all of their injections. She also says many adult cats have natural immunity or have already been vaccinated. If your cat begins to exhibit symptoms of FPV, contact your veterinarian. To learn more about the Guilford County Animal Shelter, click here. To find out how to help a furry friend find their “furry” home, check out the WXII 12 Pets Facebook page. BROWSE: Home | Weather | Watch TV NOWCAST | Local News | National | News we love | Trending Stories
Guilford County Animal Services announced Wednesday that it is suspending cat consumption due to a virus observed in kittens.
Shelter officials say they recently received two kittens exhibiting symptoms of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). On Tuesday, the kittens tested positive for the virus.
FPV is more common in unvaccinated kittens and cats. The virus weakens the cat’s immune system, making it vulnerable to other viruses and bacteria.
The shelter says the most common symptoms of FPV include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and dehydration.
Receive the latest interesting news in by clicking here
The virus can spread when cats ingest viral material from other cats. This can happen when they share the same living space or use the same litter box.
Dr. Melina Whitaker, chief veterinarian for Guilford County Animal Services, says the virus is not dangerous for humans but can be serious for cats.
“What we see with panleukopenia is vomiting and diarrhea,” she said. “Sometimes kittens die simply from feline panleukopenia.”
Whitaker says most of the shelter’s other 235 cats have shown no symptoms of FPV. She says a few kittens showed a symptom but tested negative for the virus.
However, the shelter says cats that were around the sick kittens are quarantined for 10 days to ensure they are not sick and contain the potential spread of the virus.
Keep up to date with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.
Whitaker said 28 cats were quarantined. She also said the health of the sick kittens had deteriorated significantly, leading the shelter to euthanize them.
The purpose of the quarantine and foster break is to prevent the virus from spreading within the shelter.
“We always try to keep the animals moving around the shelter,” she said. “We’re just trying not to take it for the rest of the week to make sure we’re OK and to avoid a real outbreak.”
In early May, the shelter was confronted with another virus. They reported receiving several dogs infected with parvovirus.
Whitaker says dealing with these illnesses means the shelter must purchase additional safety supplies.
“We need to buy more PPE to ensure we and other animals are protected,” she said. “So that puts a little financial burden on the shelter.”
Watch: NOWCAST streaming newsletters
So far, the shelter has had no problem purchasing the supplies it needs. But illnesses have more than just a financial impact.
“It’s difficult for the staff to see some of the animals in our care get sick,” she said. “And especially if we have to let them go.”
In addition to illnesses, shelter officials say the shelter is near capacity. As of Wednesday, they said the shelter had a total of 445 animals in its care.
Lisa Lee, deputy director of animal welfare at GCAS, says the high animal population can contribute to the spread of disease.
People can help by adopting furry friends.
“By welcoming these animals into your home and keeping them safe and in company, it’s what’s best for the animal, what’s best for its health and safety,” she said. she declared.
Lee says there are dozens of cats available for adoption and fostering.
Whitaker says cat owners should make sure their kittens or cats have received all their injections. She also says many adult cats have natural immunity or have already been vaccinated.
If your cat begins to exhibit symptoms of FPV, contact your veterinarian.
To learn more about the Guilford County Animal Shelter, click here.
To find out how you can help a fluffy friend find their “furry” home, check out WXII Pets Facebook Page 12.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch TV NOWCAST | Local News | National | News we love |
Trending Stories
News Source : www.wxii12.com
Gn Health
