The Shelbyville / Shelby County Animal Shelter is issuing an emergency public notice regarding a ringworm outbreak affecting kittens currently housed at the shelter.
After working closely with the Shelby County Health Department and our shelter vets, the Shelbyville / Shelby County Animal Shelter made the difficult decision to close all cat intake and outtake for the next eight weeks, effective immediately.
This kitten season has been unlike anything the shelter has experienced in recent years. The shelter notes that it has taken in more kittens this year than we have during the past five years, and with that unprecedented increase has come a significant rise in ringworm cases. Kittens—especially those 6 weeks of age and younger—are particularly susceptible to this fungal infection.
Following the recommendations of veterinary and public health partners, no cats will enter or leave the shelter during this 8-week quarantine period. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread to other animals and people. Priority is protecting the health and safety of the community, shelter staff, volunteers, osters, and the animals in the shelter's care.
During this quarantine:
* No cat adoptions or fosters will take place.
* No new cats will be accepted into the shelter.
* All cats currently housed at the shelter will remain under quarantine.
* Anyone who has adopted or fostered a cat from our shelter within the past two weeks will be contacted directly with additional information and guidance.
* Owner relinquishment appointments will still be scheduled, and stray cats will be handled to the best of the shelter's ability while following appropriate safety protocols.
This situation does not affect dogs. All dog adoptions, fosters, owner relinquishments, and stray intake will continue as normal.
To protect everyone involved, staff will be using appropriate personal protective equipment while caring for quarantined cats, and all cat housing areas will be closed to the public until further notice.
In its release, the shelter notes that it knows this announcement may raise questions and concerns, and they are committed to being as transparent as possible throughout this process. The shelter will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and appreciates the public's patience, understanding, and support.
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