Irving Animal Care Campus experiences feline virus outbreak

Written by Phil Cerroni

Irving Animal Care Campus staff reminds owners that pet vaccinations are extremely important. This past weekend, shelter officials identified two viruses that raced through its feline population, Panleukopenia (feline distemper) and Calicivirus. Irving Animal Care Campus Veterinarian Dr. Qianna Cobb-Sinnie believes the outbreak was introduced through a stray cat brought in from the field.

“Once an outbreak occurs, it can spread rapidly among cats,” said Dr. Cobb-Sinnie. “These are highly contagious viral diseases that affect cats and kittens. Since vaccinated animals are far less likely to contract these diseases, pet owners are encouraged to have their pets vaccinated and examined on a regular basis.”

Shelter officials determined euthanizing the infected cats was the most humane action for the animals and for the future of the city’s cat adoption program. To prevent future outbreaks and to protect the health of incoming cats, the staff has disposed of contaminated bedding, toys, food and sanitized the entire facility.

No cats recently adopted are believed to have been affected.

Source: City of Irving