Broward County Animal Care is pausing some cat services due to a rise in feline panleukopenia, a serious and contagious virus that can be deadly for cats. With summer heat increasing, the virus is spreading more quickly. The facility is now under managed care, a precaution recommended by the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, as stated in Broward County's news release.
With virus threats rising this season, Broward County Animal Care is hitting pause on cat intake, trap-neuter-return (TNR), and return-to-field (RTF) services to help stop the spread of a highly contagious feline virus. While the temporary changes may be inconvenient, Director Doug Brightwell says the priority is protecting the health and future of the county’s cat population. The team is working closely with veterinarians and regional partners to monitor the situation and determine when it’s safe to resume normal operations.
On the technical side of things, the American Veterinary Medical Association describes this feline panleukopenia as a virus that goes to town on rapidly multiplying cells, like those in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestines, not to mention unborn kittens. If your feline friend seems off-color, showing a lack of zest, no interest in food, coupled with fever, upchucking, or diarrhea, it’s important to contact a veterinarian right away.
