CONCORD, NC — The Cabarrus County Animal Shelter says they’re temporarily suspending cat adoptions and intakes after an outbreak of Panleukopenia.
The facility located at 244 Betsy Carpenter Place SW will not offer cat adoptions and will not take surrendered or stray cats through August 25th, officials say. The staff says the highly contagious illness was discovered Tuesday.
Cats began showing symptoms that included vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The staff veterinarian and the NC Department of Agriculture were immediately notified, according to officials, and steps to contain the outbreak and sanitize the facility are underway.
Officials say the symptoms for Panleukopenia can go undetected for up to two weeks. No cats were placed with families within that time, officials say, and shelter staff are working to contact rescue organizations who are in custody of cats that may have been exposed.
The shelter will continue all other operations as normal, including the reclaiming of pets and dog adoptions and rescues.
