It's a sad day at the New Westminster Animal Shelter.
The City of New Westminster is taking immediate action to contain an outbreak of calicivirus at the Queensborough shelter. So far six cats have been euthanized because of the virus.
"It is a very infections viral feline disease," said Blair Fryer, the city's communications manager. "It has a very high mortality rate and can spread easily and quickly if it is not contained."
Fryer stated that the virus doesn't affect other species or humans, and only affects cats. He said the virus was first suspected on Sunday, Nov. 6.
"They have spent the last week consulting with veterinarians to confirm," he said. "As a precaution, public programs and access was limited."
The city will continue to consult with veterinarians about the situation.
Melina Csontos, who has volunteered at the shelter for nearly 10 years, is devastated by the news that the cats she's come to love are sick.
"I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to them," she sobbed. "It is heartbreaking for me."
In addition to worrying about the cats at the New Westminster Animal Control Shelter, Csontos is also concerned about the well-being of her own pets. Having fostered one of the cats at the shelter, she's worried she may have inadvertently brought the virus into her home.
When she first learned that the virus was present at the shelter, Csontos did some research and found that cats can recover from the virus if given time. She's since been told that the cats have a different strain of the virus that makes their organs shut down.
Csontos believes the animal control shelter would be in a better position to handle outbreaks like this if it had a new or renovated space. She said there's little space in its sick room and some of the cages are made of wood, which can't be easily sanitized.
When the Record's photographer visited the shelter this afternoon, staff was distraught about the situation with the animals in their care. Access to the cats has been limited, with those having contact wearing special attire.
