'Feline Distemper' Outbreak Reported At Long Beach Shelter

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach Animal Care Services officials said Wednesday they are working to combat a "feline distemper" outbreak among cats at the shelter.

Several cats in its shelter have tested positive for Feline Panleukopenia Virus, or FPV, also known as feline distemper, over the past 10 days. The virus can be fatal for unvaccinated cats.

In hopes of containing the disease, the sick cats are being isolated from others in the shelter, and shelter workers are taking steps "to decrease the risk of cross-contamination." The quarantine will remain in effect for 14 days from the date of the most recent occurrence of the disease, officials said.

Animal Care officials noted that animals at least four weeks old are vaccinated when they arrive at the shelter.

The city urged cat owners to ensure their pets are current on their vaccinations. Animal Care officials also recommended that people refrain from bringing their cats into shelters to avoid possible exposure.

City News Service contributed to this post