Merced County’s animal shelter suspending intake of stray cats. Here’s why
Merced County’s animal shelter is suspending intake of stray cats and temporarily stopping its trap-neuter-return program for at least two weeks due to a breakout of a highly contagious and dangerous feline disease.
Feline panleukopenia virus (FVP) can spread rapidly in shelter environments, according to a Facebook post. by the Merced County Sheriff’s Animal Services Bureau.
The shelter will quarantine affected and exposed animals and conduct extensive cleaning and disinfection of the facility.
“At this time, owner-surrender appointments, adoptions, rescue transfers and field operations will continue for other animals as staffing and animal health conditions allow,” the post says.
The Animal Services Bureau recommends the public keep its cats on FVRCP vaccinations, which protect cats from three deadly diseases, including FVP. This includes indoor-only cats.
The bureau also suggests avoiding handling sick or unfamiliar cats. The symptoms of FVP are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fever.
The Merced County animal shelter is at 2150 Shuttle Drive in Atwater.
