Cat Distemper (Feline Panleukopenia or FPV) has been discovered within the Jackson County Animal shelters cat population.
On Sunday, September 10, a potential case of Cat Distemper was recognized. The Shelter's medical team was notified, and FPV was later confirmed within the larger cat population. Outbreak response protocols have gone into effect.
Kittens are the most vulnerable to the disease, and precautions are being taken to protect the entire feline population at the Jackson County Animal shelter.
The shelter is closed Monday, September 11, to the general public. The disease is being assessed, and the shelter is being sanitized. Cats will also be re-vaccinated.
There is a two week quarantine in place for all cats at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. No cats are allowed to enter, or leave the shelter at this time. The Medical Director will continue to observe the cats.
“Feline Distemper is a highly contagious disease that must be taken seriously by both shelters and cat owners alike. Proper vaccination of all cats by the general public is the only way to significantly decrease the risk of outbreaks. All dogs and cats are vaccinated when they enter the shelter. Unfortunately, in the case of Feline Distemper, there is an incubation period that we have no control over," says Dr. Cathy Anderson, JCAS Veterinarian and Medical Director.
Cat Distemper does not affect dogs or humans. The shelter will be open again on September 12, and normal dog adoptions will be allowed.
