Fredericton’s SPCA is under quarantine, after they euthanized a kitten that tested positive for a potentially fatal feline virus.
The highly contagious virus is called panleukopenia and affects the cat’s digestive system.
The kitten, which tested positive for the virus over the weekend, was dropped off at the SPCA earlier in the month.
“Saturday morning she really took a dive downhill, health wise,” says Annette James of the Fredericton SPCA.
The decision was made to put the kitten down, then the shelter was put on lockdown.
“So, any cats she was exposed to, we quarantine and monitor and watch, because the incubation period is usually within the first week,” says James.
This is the second time in less than a year that the virus has been confirmed at the shelter, which is concerning the staff for two reasons. First, the virus is not that common and second, it indicates the virus may be lurking in the outdoor cat population.
Nobody knows for sure where the infected kitten came from. The owner didwhat is known at the shelter as a drop-and-drive. However, as the cat lockdown continues, staff say cat owners everywhere should heed their advice.
“The big thing with cats is keep them inside,” says James.
The quarantine will stay in effect until the end of the month.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
