Community Corner

Eighty Cats At Shelter Euthanized After Virus Strikes

Cats were brought into the shelter in June

A feline virus that struck the Fairfax County Animal Shelter resulted in 80 cats having to be euthanized, officials said today.

“When you encounter a virus such as this, unfortunately, the only answer is to start fresh,” said Mary Ann Jennings, a Fairfax County Police spokeswoman.

Authorities said Thursday afternoon that cats who were infected with the highly contagious and fatal Calicivirus were brought to the shelter at 4500 West Ox Road in mid-June. Over the next 10 days, the cats at the shelter started to become ill, and veterinarians discovered that the cats were infected.

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National shelter protocols recommend that all cats at the shelter be euthanized because of the severity of the virus. Feline Calicivirus causes respiratory problems.

The illness is not contagious to dogs or humans, Jennings said.

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Shelter officials believe that the cats were brought in to the shelter after being collected in an animal hoarding case because those pets were the first to be afflicted by the virus.

The room where the cats were held will be undergoing a thorough three-day cleaning.

“We are using bleach on everything that has a hard surface and disposing of anything that has a porous surface,” said Karen Diviney, who works at the shelter and is assisting in cleaning.

Diviney said that those at the shelter were shocked to see what happened.

“It moved so quickly,” Diviney said.

Those who adopted cats from the shelter recently have been contacted by the shelter staff and told to watch for any signs of illness.


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