Clare Vet Urging Pet Owners To Be Proactive Amid Viral Outbreak

Clare pet owners are being urged to take proactive measures following an outbreak of a viral disease with a high mortality rate in the West of the county. It comes as an animal shelter in West Clare has been forced to close due to an outbreak of Panleucopaenia. The An Cat Dubh Sanctuary at Cloonlaheen, near Miltown Malbay has confirmed blood tests in the case of a number of deceased cats and kittens has detected the presence of Panleucopaenia. The Shelter has since closed, meaning it can't currently facilitate re-homing requests, admissions or rescues. It's founder Dr Rhona Lucas says they've implemented stringent infection controls in the wake of the incident and are working to determine the origin and extent of the outbreak. She says there's a huge body of work ahead. The airborne disease, which attacks white blood cells, is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate amongst kittens in particular. The symptoms include high fevers, profound lethargy, loss of appetite, severe vomiting and diarrhea. John Garrahy from Treaty Veterinary Clinic in Shannon says the disease can easily spread and is likely circulating in the local environment. He's told Clare FM, however, that hydration and anti-biotics are effective treatments and he's encouraging pet owners to consider a highly effective vaccine.