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Indianapolis Animal Care and Control says numerous cats recently brought to its shelter had been infected with an often fatal feline virus, which spread to several other cats being housed there.
The feline panleukopenia virus is highly contagious and almost always fatal in cats. IACC says several cats recently housed at the shelter introduced the virus, which quickly spread to the other cats being held there. The shelter says there is no treatment for the virus — only supportive care.
Officials say they will need a minimum of 72 hours and as much as two weeks to decontaminate. They are asking that all pet owners considering giving their cat up wait at least two weeks. All owner-surrendered cats brought to the shelter during that time risk being euthanized.
The potentially-infected cats were made available to local rescue groups and shelters, who took in as many of them as possible and will provide them with supportive care.
Symptons associated with the panleukopenia virus include loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea and death. Asymptomatic carriers can show no signs of the disease and be a source of infection for other cats.
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