ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Kitten and cat adoptions out of Alachua County are being halted until further notice.
Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) says the pause is due to an outbreak of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in kittens in the shelter.
ACAR is also suspending the intake of cats. Both adoptions and intakes are suspended for the next seven days.
FPV is also known as distemper or parvo. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), it’s a highly contagious disease that can be fatal for cats. AMVA says it’s passed through feces, urine and nasal secretions. Sources of contamination includes things like
- Bedding
- Litter boxes
- Cages
- Food and water bowls
- Toys
“We truly want to ensure the health and wellbeing of our feline population, and by closely monitoring that population, we hope to re-open cat intakes quickly by taking these extra steps now,” said Julie Johnson, Animal Resources Director.
The Alachua County outbreak comes nearly two weeks after Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) was also forced to suspend cat adoptions and intakes for the same reason. MCAS has said its adoptions and intakes of cats is suspended until Tuesday, July 16.
While all cats are at risk of contraction, shelter managers say young kittens, immunocompromised cats, and unvaccinated cats are at greatest risk.
“Vaccination is the best measure of prevention to guard against this highly contagious disease,” said Johnson.
Currently, ACAR has more than 80 cats and kittens in its shelter.