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http://www.indystar.com/article/20091202/LOCAL18/912020357/1195/LOCAL18/Humane-Society-puts-down-65-cats-with-feline-virus
December 2, 2009
Humane Society puts down 65 cats with feline virus
104 more quarantined up to 6 weeks while being treated for feline virus
By Jason Thomas
jason.thomas@indystar.com
A mutant strain of a feline virus has Indianapolis Humane Society officials scrambling to save the majority of its cat population.
The spread of virulent systemic feline calicivirus, a severe and often life-threatening illness, has forced officials to euthanize 65 cats during the past 11 days.
The cats were suffering from "terrible symptoms," including oral ulcers, swollen legs, fur loss and crusted skin, said Tristan Schmid, spokesman for the Humane Society.
"The virus literally spread like wildfire," Schmid said. "One day they were fine, the next day they would have symptoms. There would be just intense suffering. With it happening to 60-plus cats, in good conscience, we couldn't allow the suffering to go on."
While the virus is showing signs of slowing down, officials are taking precautions.
An additional 114 cats have been exposed to the virus, which does not affect dogs or humans. The Humane Society has placed 104 in quarantine for up to six weeks as they receive treatment, including pain medicine; 10 that have not shown symptoms also are under quarantine but could be ready for adoption in two weeks.
Officials have been consulting with Purdue University and University of California-Davis veterinary schools.
Humane Society staffers at the facility on Thanksgiving Day were forced to euthanize the sickest cats.
"It's been really devastating for the staff to have to put these animals down," Schmid said. "Our save rate is pretty high, and we were doing everything in our power to save the animals. Euthanizing was really a last resort to minimize the suffering."
Workers have been busy disinfecting the facility with bleach, and officials "don't expect the virus to spread outside of the shelter," Schmid said.
Despite the virus outbreak, there has been some good news involving cats at the shelter. Three that were in foster care and not exposed to the virus are up for adoption. The adoption process would take place off-site.
December 2, 2009
Humane Society puts down 65 cats with feline virus
104 more quarantined up to 6 weeks while being treated for feline virus
By Jason Thomas
jason.thomas@indystar.com
A mutant strain of a feline virus has Indianapolis Humane Society officials scrambling to save the majority of its cat population.
The spread of virulent systemic feline calicivirus, a severe and often life-threatening illness, has forced officials to euthanize 65 cats during the past 11 days.
The cats were suffering from "terrible symptoms," including oral ulcers, swollen legs, fur loss and crusted skin, said Tristan Schmid, spokesman for the Humane Society.
"The virus literally spread like wildfire," Schmid said. "One day they were fine, the next day they would have symptoms. There would be just intense suffering. With it happening to 60-plus cats, in good conscience, we couldn't allow the suffering to go on."
While the virus is showing signs of slowing down, officials are taking precautions.
An additional 114 cats have been exposed to the virus, which does not affect dogs or humans. The Humane Society has placed 104 in quarantine for up to six weeks as they receive treatment, including pain medicine; 10 that have not shown symptoms also are under quarantine but could be ready for adoption in two weeks.
Officials have been consulting with Purdue University and University of California-Davis veterinary schools.
Humane Society staffers at the facility on Thanksgiving Day were forced to euthanize the sickest cats.
"It's been really devastating for the staff to have to put these animals down," Schmid said. "Our save rate is pretty high, and we were doing everything in our power to save the animals. Euthanizing was really a last resort to minimize the suffering."
Workers have been busy disinfecting the facility with bleach, and officials "don't expect the virus to spread outside of the shelter," Schmid said.
Despite the virus outbreak, there has been some good news involving cats at the shelter. Three that were in foster care and not exposed to the virus are up for adoption. The adoption process would take place off-site.