Mojave County — The Mojave County Animal Shelter has announced a temporary suspension of cat and kitten adoptions and adoptions through at least July 1.
The suspension follows the recent outbreak of feline parvovirus, also known as feline parvo, which is highly contagious and potentially life-threatening, especially for unvaccinated kittens.
A statement announcing the new precautions said the animal shelter will clean out cat rooms and care for the current cat population until county veterinarians determine they are in good health.
“We have not seen this level of community transmission in years,” the county veterinarian said in a statement.
Mojave County is home to a large number of feral cats and kittens, most of which are unvaccinated, which could further exacerbate the spread of the virus. There is no medicine that will kill this virus, but timely veterinary treatment can help increase your cat’s chances of survival.
If you’re worried about your pet, look up the usual symptoms of feline parvo.
- lethargy and depression
- foaming mouth or vomiting
- watery discharge from nose
- In the early stages there is fever, followed by hypothermia.
- Diarrhea (which may be watery or bloody)
- unable to eat or drink
If you think your pet may have feline parvo, contact your local veterinarian or animal hospital.
Here’s where to contact reporters: LLatch@gannett.com.
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