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Officials in San Marcos put an end to cat consumption and adoptions at the San Marcos Animal Shelter after a highly contagious virus killed nine adult cats and 44 kittens.
Refugee staff members confirmed having confirmed an outbreak of feline panleukopenia virus, caused by feline parvovirus, after the arrival of a litter of kittens in the shelter with their mother and the symptoms of 39, an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Since then, staff members also believe that other cats have arrived at the shelter before being exposed to the virus. On Tuesday, 156 cats were taken care of by a shelter, including about 20 in foster care.
The panleukopenia virus is almost always fatal for kittens and cats whose immune systems are compromised. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it attacks cells that line the intestines, bone marrow and lymph nodes, resulting in a shortage of blood cells.
Depression, loss of appetite, fever, lethargy and vomiting are some of the first symptoms that a cat owner could expect to see, even if some cats never show symptoms.
Jeff Caldwell, director of neighborhood improvement for San Marcos, said that one of the first dead cats of the virus at the shelter seemed to go well before his sudden death. The authorities have confirmed the virus only during tests performed after his death.
Over the next seven days, authorities believe more cats could be infected.
"I hope we will not do it, but we expect to see more cases," said Erin McCann, a shelter supervisor, "We are trying to plan for the worst and hope for the best. "
McCann said that only 20% of cats that contract the virus survive, and only with a fairly intensive treatment.
"We are in the process of containing this problem at the shelter, but it is clear that this virus is currently active in our communities in Hays County. Ensuring that vaccinations for your pets are up-to-date is the best way to protect them from such a disease, "city officials said.
Caldwell urged all cat owners to vaccinate their pets, even though they thought their pet would never come into contact with an animal carrying the virus. The vaccine can also be purchased at pet food stores and administered at home.
He said the virus can stay alive on a hard surface for a long time, so even indirect contact can result in exposure.
Shelter workers vaccinate all cats arriving at the facility within 24 hours of arrival. But a large number of animals that have been rendered have pushed some kittens out of their isolation and to settle in other parts of the shelter before being vaccinated. In addition to the risk of exposure, kittens can not be vaccinated against the virus until they reach a certain age and weight.
The teams work to decontaminate the shelter and monitor all cats. No cat will be available for adoption or eligible for a contribution until Thursday at least.
Hospitality managers are asking for donations to cover the cost of cleaning supplies, cat treats, toys and small beds that they will likely have to throw away. All necessary supplies are listed on the Amazon wish list of the shelter. Donations can also be made to Mutt Strut San Marcos.
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