SHELTER PUTS TEMPORARY HOLD ON FELINE SERVICES DUE TO VIRUS
WENATCHEE, WA - All felines at Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) are under quarantine to limit the possibility of spreading panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) that recently appeared in a few kittens.
"This isn't a crisis or a panic, we are just taking precautions.” explains WVHS executive director, Dawn Davies. “A litter of stray kittens that arrived at the shelter recently did not appear to be feeling well. Our medical team performed tests which confirmed that one of the kittens was positive for panleukopenia.”
The virus strikes kittens the hardest because of their underdeveloped immune system. The quarantine began Tuesday and may be lifted on December 3, 2019, unless more cats test positive for the virus.
During the quarantine, the cat adoption hall will be closed and WVHS will not be accepting feline owner surrenders or strays. Anyone interested in adopting a cat after December 3rd, can confirm the quarantine is lifted by visiting WVHS’s Facebook page or calling the shelter directly at 509-662-9577.
People who recently adopted cats from the shelter with potential exposure are being notified to watch for the illness. Signs of the illness are lethargy, diarrhea, lost appetite and vomiting. “The illness is highly contagious," Davies notes.
Contamination comes through direct contact with urine, feces, and nasal secretions. Cats who eat out of the same dish or use the same litter box as an infected cat are at risk. The virus is not contagious to humans or dogs.
Ensuring pets have up-to-date vaccinations is the best way to protect against feline panleukopenia. Dr. Kyla Krissek, WVHS Medical Director says that vaccinations are equally as important for indoor cats as indoor/outdoor cats.
All animals received at WVHS are vaccinated upon intake, but the vaccines take two weeks to fully protect the pet.
“Viruses happen, especially in a shelter environment.” Davies says. “Our staff knows what to do and follows a strict cleaning and handling protocol, with oversight from the medical team. If anything, we prefer to error on the side of caution to avoid spreading the illness.”
Aside from the cat quarantine, the shelter is open as usual including the dog adoption halls.
For questions or concerns please call 509-662-9577, or email WVHS at wvhs@wenatcheehumane.org.
About WVHS
Founded in 1967, the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to serve Chelan and Douglas Counties through education, protection and pet adoptions. WVHS cares for displaced pets, rescues injured and lost animals, investigates animal cruelties, and finds homes for orphaned animals. WVHS engages in a Pets for Life philosophy by providing low cost spay/neuter programs, periodic vaccination clinics, and hosting pet food assistance banks to income-qualified residents throughout its community. By caring for pets and the people who love them, WVHS is creating a humane society in the Wenatchee Valley. If you would like to volunteer, donate, or more information on how you can help, visit wenatcheehumane.org, email wvhs@wenatcheehumane.org or call (509) 662-9577.
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