Shelter acts swiftly to contain deadly feline panleukemia virus
Fast action, training, and strict quarantine protocols at DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue were credited with saving the non-profit organization from what could have been a full-blown disaster after the deadly panleukopenia virus appeared when they took in a batch of kittens.
The rescue centre, based in Florenceville-Bristol, announced via Facebook that a surrendered kitten was taken into its care that tested positive for feline panleukopenia — a highly contagious and often fatal virus that primarily affects kittens, sick/immunocompromised cats, and unvaccinated cats.
“This diagnosis means we must act swiftly and enforce emergency measures to protect our rescues and prevent the spread of this deadly virus,” they wrote.
The shelter was forced to initiate immediate quarantine protocols for up to six weeks and was subsequently closed to the public.
“We took in (five) kittens, and one of them, Faith, tested positive,” said Martha Allison, who oversees operations at DunRoamin’. “It’s a very dangerous disease, it can be deadly, and it spreads very easily.”
In addition to the quarantine and rigorous cleaning and disinfecting, DunRoamin’ was forced to restrict access to its volunteers, leaving only three full-time staff members.
“Losing the help of over a dozen volunteers, and leaving only three people to do it… It’s hard,” added Allison.
The lockdown, initially scheduled to last six weeks, was shortened to two weeks following consultations and the assistance of Dr. Berdien Bakker from Florenceville-Bristol Veterinary Clinic.
“As of Aug. 18, there have been no indications of feline panleukopenia in the building,” said a statement on DunRoamin’s Facebook page. “Therefore, we can open to the public again, our volunteers can come back, and we can proceed as normal with our adoptions.”
“Dunroamin’ has an excellent (intake) process,” said Bakker, who was once a volunteer herself at the shelter. “The kittens were not in contact with other cats, and were found to be faintly positive for panleukopenia. We don’t take any chances. We were lucky DunRoamin’ has that quarantine procedure in place.”
The siblings of the infected kitten remained in strict isolation until Sept. 15, at which time Dr. Bakker and staff will reassess the situation.
Taylor Williamson, manager at Carleton County Animal Shelter (CCAS), has had dealings with the virus before. Last year, the shelter was closed for the full six weeks after an outbreak.
“We are seeing a lot of kittens sick,” she said. “There is a good chance when we bring in a kitten, it could have panleukopenia. It hurt us financially. It was rocky.”
While the shelters play different roles – CCAS is an independent shelter that deals with the general unwanted cat population, and DunRoamin’ deals mainly with the sick and injured – both agree that the community is their lifeline. Currently, there is a great need for foster homes, as well as a constant need for volunteer help, donations, and community support.
As Williamson put it, “for us, kitty season is all year round.” The shelter also added that, having no active volunteers, “the small team is doing all they can to keep up. Our team remains committed to providing all the care we can to both cats and dogs in need.”
To help or donate, or for more information on upcoming events, please visit DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue and Carleton County Animal Shelter’s Facebook pages.
