- May 5, 2024
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Murka, 31613798, is a 1-year-old female cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Jake, 31575239, is a 2-year-old male Labrador/beagle mix, available at Halifax Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Holly, 33115592, is an 8-year-old female hound mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Kathy, 28616765, is a 1-year-old female cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Last week the Halifax Humane Society issued a warning about an unprecedented spike in confirmed positive tests for feline panleukopenia.
Often referred to as feline distemper, panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often, fatal, viral disease. The disease affects the lining of the intestinal track, causing anemic conditions and lowering the resistance to other viral and bacterial illnesses.
My cat Samantha is an indoor cat, but she has been vaccinated because even cats that do not go outside and do not come into contact with other unknown cats, can contract the illness when their humans track it in, unknowingly, on their clothing or shoes.
The virus can remain in the environment for years, which is why when a shelter realizes they have taken in a cat with the disease, a deep clean is required. It is also the reason stray and dropped off cats with no vaccination record, are put in a stray kennel, away from the general population and observed.
“Knock on wood, we are OK,” Flagler Humane Society Director Amy Carotenuto said. “We are ever vigilant and every animal that comes through our doors is vaccinated as soon as they come in.”
On days when I am at any humane society or rescue, I leave my shoes in the garage and change my clothes as soon as I get home. Too protective? Maybe, but it’s worth it to me. Spraying the bottom of your shoes with a bleach/water solution, or stepping into a shallow pan of the same solution, to wet just the soles of your shoes, will help prevent tracking the disease into your home.
“To combat the spread of disease, Halifax Humane Society staff have been carefully evaluating the vaccination and medical history of every cat in their care, and remain confident all cats currently going out for adoption are protected against FPV,” HHS said in a press release.
Before taking any pet into your home, whether you are adopting them, fostering, or cat sitting for a friend, please ask for a copy of their vaccination records.
Petmd.com
