All 175 cats at the Santa Clara County Animal Shelter in San
Martin are under a quarantine that could last for up to 14 days
after two felines died of panleukopenia. Full story
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Today’s breaking news:
All 175 cats at the Santa Clara County Animal Shelter in San Martin are under a quarantine that could last for up to 14 days after two felines died of panleukopenia.
The affliction known as “feline distemper” is a viral infection affecting cats. It can kill swiftly and suddenly if contracted, according to Shelter Supervisor Brigid Wasson.
While animals can be exposed to the virus in a number of places, chances are heightened in a shelter as inhabitants are under stress, occupying small rooms and living in cages, she explained. Although panleukopenia is almost 100 percent preventable by vaccination, Wasson said both cats succumbed to the virus despite having been vaccinated.
The 14-day quarantine period at the shelter located at 12370 Murphy Ave. is a precaution that could lessen if no other cats get sick, she added.
“It’s just to be on the safe side, but right now we don’t want any of the visitors handling the animals,” she said.
Wasson clarified the quarantine only extends to cats, as other rescues such as dogs can still be viewed and interacted with.
In the meantime, those wishing to view adoption-ready felines may visit www.sccountypets.org.
The quarantine comes on the heels of a major animal hoarding bust in early September, which flooded the shelter with a surplus of 40 cats after 80 to 90 were discovered at an undisclosed location in San Martin. The shelter has since received an additional 14 cats, Wasson said, “with 21 more still in one of the trailers, and an unknown number that are still loose on the property” belonging to the unnamed San Martin hoarder.
Many of the felines have been placed through rescue efforts but have not been adopted out through the shelter, she said.
Neither of the two cats that died came from the animal hoarding case, according to Wasson.
When asked how long animals can stay in the shelter before they are euthanized, she explained the shelter doesn’t have a time limit. Each animal is evaluated individually for health and behavior, Wasson said, as “we only euthanize those who are aggressive or suffering/dying/untreatable.”
As of Wednesday, Wasson sent an update stating, “all the cats in the shelter are looking good.”
Every cat in the shelter received a booster vaccination as an additional precaution, she said.
For those wondering what they can do to prevent their own cats from contracting panleukopenia, Wasson reminds vaccination is key; ask your own veterinarian for a recommended vaccination program.
“Protocols vary depending on where you live, if your cats go outside, and the age/health of your cats,” she wrote in an email. “Keeping your cats generally healthy also helps boost the immune system and prevent diseases of all kinds. A good diet and regular preventive health care will go a long way.”
The shelter recommends people do not brings cats in at this time, as the felines will be at risk of being exposed to the virus, becoming ill or dying. If you are trapping feral cats, Wasson advises to call the Humane Society Silicon Valley at (408) 262-2133 for information on low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations.
If you have found kittens, call Town Cats in Morgan Hill at (408) 779-5761.
Wasson reiterates panleukopenia only affects cats. Dogs are still available for viewing and for adoption.
HOW TO ADOPT OR DONATE
Santa Clara County Animal Shelter
– Visit: 12370 Murphy Avenue, San Martin
– Call: (408) 686-3900
– Donate on the web: www.sccountypets.org
– Volunteer: Orientation is held at 1 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must attend a volunteer orientation. For questions, call Shelter Supervisor Brigid Wasson at (408) 686-3901
Adoption fees:
– Dogs…$110
– Puppies…$120
– Cats…$90
– Kittens…$100
Adoption includes:
– Spay/neuter surgery
– Microchip ID implantation and registration
– Age-appropriate vaccinations
– De-fleaing and de-worming
– FIV/FeLV testing for cats
– A large back of Hill’s Science Diet pet food
