The Hall County Animal Shelter announced Friday they will temporarily halt cat adoption and intake due to an outbreak of panleukopenia.
All cat owner-surrenders, stray intakes and cat adoptions will be placed on hold while the shelter quarantines its cats and kittens.
“Our primary concern is the health and well-being of our feline population, and we are taking all the necessary steps to address the outbreak,” Hall County Animal Services Director Trey Garcia said. “Deep cleaning and sanitization have already taken place, and it is critical that we now quarantine all of our intakes and limit adoptions for a minimum of 14 days.”
Hall County officials said that panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease found in cats and kittens that is a common occurrence in open-admission animal welfare facilities due to the nature of facility operations.
“Since we take in so many animals from a variety of situations, there is always a greater chance of illness and disease – the bulk of our intake have no prior veterinary care,” Garcia said.
During the 14-day quarantine period, the animal shelter will limit its feline intakes to injured cats only. Dog adoptions are still open to the public.
“Any person who has recently adopted a cat that is showing signs of illness should call the animal shelter,” Garcia said. “We will conduct a free test for the virus and offer outpatient care should the cat be positive for panleukopenia.”
Common signs and symptoms of panleukopenia include depression, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea and lethargy.
The animal shelter said it will provide the community with alternative resources for found cats and kittens while intakes are limited.
Anyone willing to help foster animals is encouraged to call the shelter at 678-450-1587.
