Shelter Euthanizes 80 Cats After Virus Spreads

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter said it euthanized all cats at the facility after a deadly virus spread.

Some 80 cats were euthanized after cats infected with a highly contagious, virulent strain of Calicivirus were brought to the shelter in mid-June. The virus spread quickly, even though all sick and exposed cats were euthanized in an effort to stop the spread.

The virus causes upper respiratory distress. Humans and dogs are not affected, although dogs can carry the virus on their coats and infect cats in the same household.

The shelter has temporarily suspended cat adoptions.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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