Humane Society imposing quarantine on all cats

The Humane Society of Morgan County (HSMC) is imposing a quarantine of all cats at its Adoption Center due to one confirmed case of Dry Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The Humane Society will not be taking in cats during the quanrantine period. Quarantine is currently set through June 26 and will be extended if necessary.

FIP is an unusual, but often fatal, consequence of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection in a cat. FIP occurs when the cat reacts inappropriately to feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. Most cats simply become infected, shed FCoV in saliva for a few days and in feces for a month or two, mount an immune response, eliminate the virus and live happily ever after.

However, for reasons that are not yet fully understood, instead of clearing FCoV infection, an unfortunate few cats develop FIP.

HSMC is working with several local veterinarians to determine the proper course of action for the other cats currently at the Adoption Center and will update the community as to the progress.

Anyone who has recently gotten a cat or kitten from the Adoption Center will be contacted and receive more complete information. A fact sheet on Coronavirus/FIP will be available at the Adoption Center by Thursday June 21 for anyone interested in learning more.