MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County Animal Welfare has suspended all feline intake at Bishop Animal Shelter following a confirmed outbreak of panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often deadly viral disease in cats.
“This is a serious and urgent situation,” said Sarah Brown, Director of Manatee County Community and Veterans Services. “Our shelter staff are doing everything possible, but they can’t face this alone. We’re calling on our community to help stop the spread. Get your cats vaccinated and help us protect vulnerable animals across Manatee County.”
To contain the outbreak and protect the public and shelter population, MCAW is taking the following steps:
Cat Town, the county’s feline adoption facility, remains unaffected and fully operational. Bishop Animal Shelter anticipates a two-week pause in cat intake while deep cleaning, medical treatment, and containment efforts continue.
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is most dangerous to unvaccinated cats and kittens, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and in many cases, sudden death. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, litter boxes, food and water bowls, and even clothing or hands.
How the public can help:
MCAW is urgently seeking foster families to help care for kittens impacted by the outbreak. These kittens need safe, temporary homes where they can grow, receive medical care, and eventually move on to adoption. Supplies, training, and veterinary support are provided to all foster caregivers.
For updates and vaccination clinic dates, please visit mymanatee.org/pets or follow Manatee County Animal Welfare on social media. To assist in emergency fostering please contact Lauren Tryon at Lauren.Tryon@mymanatee.org.
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sandy
My family had many cats over the years. We had one who died of feline distemper. It's not pretty. My current cat, Harley, who is 12, has his vaccinations (FVCRP, FELV, rabies) every year even though he is entirely an indoor cat. His outdoors is my screened porch. He is my family and one should always take care of family. Pets are usually not allowed in the community I live in. I am allowed to have him because of a letter from my doctor for having an emotional support animal (after my husband passed) and filing paperwork to the park office annually showing he has had his shots and is licensed. I adopted him when the county cat town was near the Administration Building (Manatee Ave W and 10th St W).
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