MANASSAS, Va. (WUSA9) -- Laboratory results sent back to The Prince William County Animal Shelter confirm that Calicivirus has been introduced to the Shelter and the majority of cats in the shelter have been infected.
Measures have been taken to prevent further spread of the disease, and the shelter have stopped cat adoptions and surrenders for the next two to three weeks to ensure that no additional infection is introduced to the shelter.
Calicivirus, is a highly contagious virus that causes upper respiratory and oral disease in cats. The virus has a tendency to mutate, rendering preventative vaccinations in a shelter environment virtually ineffective. Since it is a virus, there is no specific treatment, only supportive care.
It is spread primarily by contact with an infected animal's aerosolized respiratory excretions, urine, and feces. It can also be spread through contact with bedding, food dishes, as well as the hands, clothing, and shoes of people who have handled infected animals.
This should be of particular concern to cat owners who allow their cats to roam freely outside the home, leave food outside for community cats, and those who monitor cat colonies.
The shelter vaccinates cats for upper respiratory infections and our Veterinarian stresses that viruses, are not born in the shelter but are brought in and must be managed once they are introduced.
Calicivirus is not contagious or contractible by humans or dogs. However, among cats, this virus is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia, severe painful oral ulceration and in some cases painful arthritis.
Typical symptoms of an upper respiratory infection involve the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharges from the nose or eyes.
The Prince William County Animal Shelter asks that you please contact your veterinarian if your cats are displaying signs of possible calicivirus.
Please check the Animal Shelter website http://www.pwcgov.org/public-safety/animal-control/ for further announcements regarding this quarantine period.
