Calicivirus in one of the most dreaded viruses in the animal shelter community. Unfortunately, an outbreak reported at the Prince William County Animal Shelter in Manasses, Virginia led to the decision by management to euthanize dozens of cats, Inside Nova reported September 22.
Although cats on the adoption floor were spared, all other cats at the shelter, a total of 83, were euthanized. Adoptions have been halted until further notice. Prince William Police Sgt. Jonathan Perok issued a news release September 21 saying
“The virus has a tendency to mutate, rendering preventative vaccinations in a shelter environment virtually ineffective. Since calici is a virus, there is no specific treatment, only supportive care. Recovered cats are persistently infected for long periods and will continue to shed virus.”
Captain Alfred E. Miller, Animal Control Director posted a statement on the Facebook: Prince William County Animal Shelter community page September 21 stating
“Today we received laboratory results confirming our suspicion that we have an outbreak of Calicivirus in the Prince William County Animal Shelter. Calicivirus can cause pneumonia, severe painful oral ulceration and in some cases painful arthritis. Recovered cats are persistently infected for long periods and will continue to shed virus. The shelter is following all necessary infection control protocols to minimize spread of the disease and we need your help.”
The virus is highly contagious to cats and is spread through respiratory excretions, urine, feces, bedding and food dishes. The illness is spread through respiratory excretions, urine and feces as well as bedding and food dishes. It can also be passed on the hands, clothing and shoes of people who are caring for the infected cats.
Captain Miller is asking the community to reconsider turning in cats and kittens to the shelter until November. People are also advised to leave stray cats where they’re found in hopes the cat will find its way home. The public is advised not to trap or catch cats and turn them in, encouraging foster care until the outbreak is contained.
While not contagious to humans or dogs, any shelter worker who comes in contact with the virus at work at any animal facility must be vigilant not to carry the virus home to their own cats. Some of the symptoms include conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal congestion and nose and eye discharge. Anyone who has a cat exhibiting these symptoms should seek veterinary treatment immediately. Cats can survive the illness if it’s caught early enough.
Updates will be posted on the Prince William County Facebook page here. Follow Greenville Cats Examiner on Facebook.