We’ve taken immediate action to stop the spread of virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), a severe and often life-threatening viral illness in cats, and have temporarily halted adoptions of cats at our shelter in order to reduce the spread of the disease and save the lives of as many cats as possible.
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is common in many environments, causes respiratory infection in cats, and does not affect humans or dogs. All incoming cats at HSI are vaccinated for FCV, as well as for a variety of other diseases. However, the strain of VS-FCV currently found in our cats is a newly mutated form of the virus, according to Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine’s Dr. Annette Litster.
“It appears that regular vaccination protocols are ineffective against the virulent systemic form of feline calicivirus at the Humane Society of Indianapolis, but all control measures are being strictly followed and staff is working around the clock to contain the outbreak,” says Dr. Litster, a specialist in feline medicine and clinical epidemiology who regularly advises our medical team.
We acted immediately to halt the spread of the disease through quarantine and shelter disinfection. Nearly 50 cats infected with VS-FCV at the shelter were euthanized due to severe pain and suffering and risk to healthy cats, and all others are under quarantine for at least two weeks in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
Though cats are currently unavailable, HSI has dozens of puppies and adult dogs for adoption. The retail store, canine training school, and dog park remain safe and open to the public, and we encourage you to consider our animal-welfare partners Southside Animal Shelter, ARPO, Cats Haven, and Indianapolis Animal Care and Control if you’re interested in adopting a cat. The strain of VS-FCV affecting our cats hasn’t appeared in the other groups’ animals.
“The staff at HSI is emotionally devastated and heartbroken by this outbreak,” said John Aleshire, CEO of the Humane Society of Indianapolis. “We hope our immediate action with cleaning and quarantine protocol will keep our remaining cats healthy and able to find a home in time for the holidays.”
If you would like to help us fight this virus and save feline lives, please donate bleach, paper towels, bath towels and bleach wipes to the shelter, located at 7929 Michigan Rd.
