Virus outbreak at Animal Control facility in Athens

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services says its shelter on Buddy Christian Way in Athens will not be accepting owner-surrendered cats for another week and a half: the facility is dealing with an outbreak of feline panleukopenia. Stray intake and dog adoptions will remain open as normal; cats will be accepted again starting on July 10.

From the Athens-Clarke Co government website…

The ACCGov Animal Services Department at 125 Buddy Christian Way will not accept owner-surrendered cats for intake until Monday, July 10, 2023, due to confirmed cases of feline panleukopenia, also called pan leuk, FP, or feline parvo. Dog and stray cat intakes will continue as normal.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cats and is mainly seen in kittens, who cannot be vaccinated until they are six weeks old, and other unvaccinated cats. It is common in the wild and has a high mortality rate, especially among kittens.

Until July 10, Animal Services will limit cat intakes to stray cats only due to space constraints. Residents seeking to surrender cats prior to July 10 should contact Animal Services by phone at 706-613-3540 for advice.

Owner reclaims of cats will continue, although owners will be advised of a potential exposure to panleukopenia and to contact their vet immediately if their cat starts to act ill. Cat adoptions will also continue in the cat adoption area.

Two litters of kittens tested positive on June 25, 2023, for the feline panleukopenia virus. Animal Services contacted the Georgia Department of Agriculture and reported the results as required. The kittens were located in the sick cat room and kitten room. As a result, these two rooms will be under quarantine until July 10, 2023 and open to staff members only.

Animal Shelter staff are continuing to undergo specialized cleaning processes to help minimize the spread of the virus. These steps are being taken to prevent accidental exposure to the virus for cats outside of these shelter areas through dog or human contact.

Due to the facility’s design to separate animals into different areas, the dog area of the shelter will remain open for normal operations.

Animal Services staff has consulted with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Protection Division, which regulates and licenses animal shelters, contacted other area facilities that might be affected, and worked with Animal Services’ oversight veterinarian since the illness appeared.

The ACCGov Animal Services Adoption Center’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, walkthroughs, and adoptions; and Sunday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, and scheduled adoption appointments.

For more information, including an updated list of adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities, visit www.accgov.com/animalservices or call 706-613-3540.

Animal Services Website

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