Pawmetto Lifeline’s panleukopenia outbreak temporarily halted adoptions

An outbreak of panleukopenia among cats and kittens at Pawmetto Lifeline animal shelter closed adoptions to prevent any spread.

With no felines leaving the building for adoption but more animals in Columbia needing shelter, Pawmetto Lifeline is subject to overflow.

The organization announced the quarantine on Facebook. It lasted from mid-September to Oct. 1 after a kitten tested positive for panleukopenia, Pawmetto employees said.

The disease is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and spreads through body fluids and human handling of cats. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, depression, loss of appetite and dehydration, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pawmetto Lifeline, a no-kill shelter on Bower Parkway in Harbison, works to “alleviate animal suffering and homelessness,” as stated on its website. The shelter houses animals for adoption and navigates a program of more than 500 foster cats and dogs.

Cats and kittens still needed shelter during the quarantine but could not be adopted out of the building, limiting the ability to make room for other animals in need.

“The need for homes has not slowed down,” said Janet Hopkins, data coordinator for the foster team. “We are overwhelmed with not being able to get these animals adopted.”

The shelter took no chances during the quarantine, to the extent that foster transfers occurred in the parking lot to avoid any exposure inside, Hopkins said. The shelter’s wellness clinic stayed open for vaccinations, spay and neuter operations and medical services.

Hopkins said the originally sick kitten has recovered and is back in good health. While the outbreak is now under control, the need for homes is still urgent, the shelter said.

“Everybody needs to do their part,” Hopkins said.