Cat Room Quarantined After Felines Test Positive For Virus

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- Results from the lab showing two cats have tested positive for a highly contagious virus have forced officials at the Etowah Valley Humane Society to place a quarantine on its cat room.

The quarantine, implemented as a requirement by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, stems from two cats testing positive for the feline panleukopenia virus, said Director Bryan Canty.

"They aren't allow to leave until the virus is shed," Canty told Patch, referring to the cats.

The first cat began showing symptoms just days after it was brought to the shelter, and disease was not picked up at the facility, he added. After the diagnosis, the cat was transported to a veterinarian clinic where it's undergoing treatment and responding well to medical care.

However, Canty said another kitten from the same litter also tested positive for the disease and has been transported to a medical clinic for care. Both cats, he said "are eating and drinking and showing no signs of lethargy or depression."

Details related to the outbreak have been submitted to the State Veterinarian's Office and the field representative from Georgia Department of Agriculture paid a visit to EVHS to inspect the shelter and its protocols.

"Her findings (indicate) nothing could have been done to prevent this episode -- other than folks vaccinating their pets," he added Tuesday evening on the organization's Facebook page. "Be reassured that these kittens came in with the virus prior to vaccination. Our other cats have shown no signs of infection, nor do we expect them to as the vaccine approaches 100 percent efficacy. We are following every mandate and protocol and we will get through this. And so the 14 days of quarantine begin now."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the virus is a highly contagious disease most commonly seen in kittens. It attacks cells that are rapidly growing and dividing, such as those in the bone marrow and intestines. While cats at any age can be infected, young kittens, sick felines and unvaccinated cats are the most susceptible, the association added.

Patch informed Canty that rumors were circling that EVHS will have to euthanize dozens of cats due to the outbreak. Those rumors, he said, are "blatantly false."

In an earlier Facebook post on June 24, Canty added this was the first time in his seven years as director that this virus has been reported at the facility.

"But, we will not be deterred in our efforts to save all of the precious lives that we can," he added. "We hope that you won't be either when selecting your next best friend."

In 2015, the facility had to close for three weeks due to an outbreak of dog flu.

The Etowah Valley Humane Society began in 1994 as the adoption arm for Bartow County Animal Control. In October 2006, it opened its new shelter on Ladds Mountain Road.

The private, nonprofit corporation derives operating funds primarily from adoption fees, donations, membership fees, and fundraising events. While EVHS has a paid staff, it relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers.

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