CONCORD, N.C.— Due to an outbreak of the feline panleukopenia virus in one room among its cat population, the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter on Betsy Carpenter Place SW will not be taking surrendered or stray cats through Sunday, July 1.
On Tuesday afternoon, staff members discovered a kitten that was very lethargic, a symptom of the highly contagious illness. The cat tested positive for panleukopenia, and officials immediately implemented cross-contamination protocols to contain and prevent the spread of the virus.
No other cats in the building or in the room showed clinical signs or symptoms of the disease, such as lethargy, vomiting and/or diarrhea, according to Shelter Manager Juli Vetere. All at-risk, non-symptomatic cats were placed with partner rescue organizations for quarantine and treatment if needed, Vetere added.
Staff also notified the shelter veterinarian and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Panleukopenia symptoms can go undetected for up to two weeks, and officials are working to contact rescue organizations in custody of cats that may have been exposed to the virus.
The Cabarrus County Animal Shelter will continue to operate its normal hours for other services, including pet reclamation, adoptions and rescue transfers.
