Contagious cat virus closes shelter doors

A SOUTH west Sydney animal shelter has closed its doors to cats after a highly contagious virus has broken out in Sydney for the first time in 40 years.

Liverpool Animal Shelter has closed its doors to cats after a contagious virus breaking out for the first time in 40 years.

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LIVERPOOL Animal Shelter has closed its doors to cats after a highly contagious virus has broken out in Sydney for the first time in 40 years.

While the animal shelter currently does not have the virus feline panleukopenia or feline enteritis, controlling and minimising exposure to healthy animals is the key focus.

To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all the shelter animals, visitors are asked to follow staff direction which is designed to minimise any cross-contamination.

Liverpool Animal Shelter will provide updates should circumstances change.

Cat owners are advised to take their pets to their local vet and have them vaccinated against the disease, while stray cats can be referred to the RSPCA.

Symptoms include depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and self-biting.

Feline panleukopenia is caused by feline parvovirus. Once contracted it can be highly contagious and can be fatal.

It spreads through bodily fluid and excrements as well as by fleas. It can spread through bedding, food dishes or even clothes and shoes of handlers of infected animals.

Humans cannot contract the virus.

The virus primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract lining. It decreases white blood cells and compromises the animal’s immune system.

Other symptoms include depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and self-biting.

Moorebank Vet Hospital has received many calls over the last few days following the outbreak which is similar to parvovirus in dogs.

Feline enteritis has not been seen in Sydney for more than 40 years.

“We want to reassure all our clients that if your cat has been vaccinated with the F3 vaccination, your cat is covered for this virus,” their Facebook post said.

“If your cat has not been vaccinated or it has been over a year since your cat’s last vaccination, your cat will need two vaccinations, four weeks apart.”

Blacktown City Animal Holding Shelter has suspended adoptions and stopped more cats from entering the facility.

VIRUS SYMPTOMS

● Depression

● Lethargy

● Loss of appetite

● Fever

● Vomiting

● Self-biting