ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Rowan County Animal Services has temporarily closed its cat building and suspended cat adoptions after confirming cases of a highly contagious virus among kittens at the shelter.
The outbreak began after a kitten arrived at the facility appearing healthy before showing symptoms. The cat was likely carrying feline panleukopenia, which the shelter says is “highly contagious.” Additional kittens at the shelter have since tested positive for the virus.
The virus can spread before any symptoms appear, so shelter staff implemented enhanced monitoring, cleaning and disease-control protocols.
Non-emergency feline intakes are also on hold while staff work to contain the spread.
“Due to the virus’s incubation period and the potential for exposure within the cat building, we are temporarily closing our cat areas while staff continue to monitor animals and follow veterinary guidance,” the shelter said in a statement.
The shelter is still open for urgent cases and critical situations.
“We will continue accepting emergency cases involving injuries, severe illness and rabies/quarantine situations,” the shelter said in a statement.
Dog operations are unaffected by the feline virus outbreak and dog adoptions are continuing as scheduled.
Rowan County Animal Services said they plan to host a special cat adoption event once normal operations can safely resume.
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