CODY, WYOMING – Cats in Cody are facing a challenging time as a fatal virus spreads among litters of kittens, with the local animal shelter being particularly hard-hit.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP, a known threat in the shelter world, has made its first appearance at the Park County Animal Shelter. The virus was introduced by a litter of feral kittens at the end of May, and it has since taken a heavy toll.
“As of right now, I know of 22 that have died of FIP,” shared Amanda Munn, executive director of the Park County Animal Shelter. “It’s difficult, especially when we are the first responders and caretakers of the animals, and now even our personal pets, our personal cats, are getting sick. So it’s crushing.”
In response to the outbreak, the shelter has implemented a series of strict protocols to control the virus’s spread. This includes restrictions on cat intakes and direct adoptions, with limited fostering still available.
“On a day-to-day basis, we do a very thorough cleaning of all the cat apartments, all the cat condos, making sure everything is separated, rags for each room, trash bags for each room, nothing cross-contaminates,” explained Logan Phillips, feline care specialist at the Park County Animal Shelter.
It’s important to note that FIP is a type of feline coronavirus that is transmissible only from cat to cat and does not affect humans or other animals.
“I want to just clarify that this is something that should not cause panic. Do not panic,” Munn reassured. “FIP in the shelter world is not something we see very often, but when we do see it, we have protocols and procedures in place for this.”
While FIP is currently considered fatal once a cat contracts it, scientists in Colorado are working to change that grim outcome. The outbreak in Cody presents a unique opportunity for research into the virus, providing a glimmer of hope amid the crisis.
“Our veterinarian reached out to Colorado State University because there is a team of researchers there that work exclusively with FIP cases,” Munn disclosed. “They’re leading research, they have clinical trials going on right now. And so we’re really lucky to be part of that message with them and collaborate with them in this way.”
With hope stemming from research efforts and rigorous protocols in place, the shelter’s dedicated staff is striving to give every cat and kitten a fighting chance at both health and finding a loving home.
“Of course, as any animal lover, it’s difficult to deal with, but we keep coming in because even if this is their final place and they unfortunately get FIP, they need to be loved, they need to be cared for, no matter the circumstance,” Phillips emphasized.
The Park County Animal Shelter is seeking assistance in combating the FIP outbreak. Monetary donations are especially appreciated, as are donations of wet cat food and clean blankets.
Munn pointed out, “It’s important right now, since we are operating under disease protocol, everything becomes three times as expensive as it was last month. Park County Animal Shelter averages an expense budget of $50,000 to $60,000 per month. So what we’re expecting is that to maybe be around the $90,000 to $100,000 mark; it’s going to be very expensive.”
