Nine lives and a second chance: Animal shelter resumes cat adoptions
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Version 0 of 1. Just a week after an outbreak of a highly contagious virus forced Prince William County animal shelter officials to euthanize over 70 cats, authorities announced Thursday the shelter is reopening feline adoptions. “Everyone here is very happy,” said Suzette Kapp, animal shelter’s head caretaker, adding that eight felines are available for adoption. “It’s like a weight was taken off our shoulders, being able to get these animals homes.” [Cats euthanized due to virus at Prince William County animal shelter] On Sept. 21 and 22, county shelter officials euthanized 73 cats that caught feline calicivirus, known as FCV. The virus, which does not pose a health risk to humans, causes sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, mouth sores, arthritis and other symptoms in cats, according to a statement from the shelter. “It was devastating,” Kapp said of the mass euthanasia. “It was a hard week.” The shelter reopened adoptions — as well as surrenders — on Thursday following laboratory tests and a consultation, authorities said. Shelter officials believe the outbreak of the respiratory virus began with an infected cat that came into the shelter recently and spread it to other felines. Prince William County’s shelter is not the first in the area to battle an FCV outbreak — in 2011 Fairfax County euthanized all of the shelter’s cats because of the virus. [For neglected puppies, a chance to find new homes] To adopt a furry friend or if you have questions, contact the Prince William County animal shelter at (703) 792-6465 or online at www.pwcgov.org/animalshelter. The shelter, located at 14807 Bristow Rd., Manassas, Va., is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. |