Ben Madilynn
TAVARES — Considered a serious threat and highly contagious, Panleukopenia has been found in stray kittens surrendered to the Lake County Animal Shelter. As a result, the shelter is temporarily implementing changes to its cat services to protect other felines from contracting the virus.
Kittens, along with immunocompromised or unvaccinated cats, are the most severely affected by this disease, an LCAS shelter spokesperson said in a press release, adding that Panleukopenia does not affect people or other animals.
A vaccination for the virus is available and included in routine feline veterinary care. Immunized cats have a lower risk of infection.
Media including Newsweek and USA Today have reported on Panleukopenia. In Tampa Bay last year, 40 kittens had to be euthanized due to the virus, a deeply upsetting experience for the staff.
The Daily Commercial contacted LCAS to find out if kittens have been quarantined or euthanized.
“We currently have 28 cats/kittens receiving treatment in ICU, including three that arrived from the community positive this morning,” LCAS Public Information Officer Sarah Lux said. “We have over 20 survivors this season, some of whom are ready to be safely adopted. We have been unable to save 10 kittens who, despite our best efforts and aggressive treatment, have been lost to the virus. We are committed to doing everything we can to save the tiniest lives.”
The virus attacks and suppresses a cat’s white blood cells, which are a major component of their immune system.
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It also is highly contagious to other cats and when not properly disinfected, can live in environments for months.
Due to the need to quarantine multiple areas in the building and to eliminate the potential for further spread, the shelter has suspended Operation Community Caturday – Every Day is Caturday (the County’s TNVR program) until further notice.
The Wait-til-8 and Foster programs will continue through the facility’s drive-thru services.
Adoptions of recovered, unexposed, and well-vaccinated cats/kittens will continue, while adoptions of at-risk cats/kittens will be suspended
Cat and kitten admissions will be limited to emergency cases of injury and illness. Owned cat wellness appointments will be rescheduled.
If you find a kitten or a litter, LCAS encourages you to participate in the Wait-til-8 program, which provides free vaccinations, food and supplies to temporary foster parents, thus helping to keep high-risk kittens in safer environments. Kittens are the most vulnerable population in animal shelters across the country. When kittens are too young for adoption, they are at great risk of illness.
Residents are encouraged to donate supplies such as towels and sheets to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Monetary donations can be made available online. Drop off donated supplies at the front door of the facility.
Residents can register for the shelter’s foster program to help shelter cats that have not been exposed to the virus. To register, go to https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter/foster
