Caldwell County stops taking cats to fight virus

LENOIR, N.C. (AP) — Caldwell County officials have stopped accepting cats at their shelter in order to stop the spread of a contagious virus that has killed seven cats in the past few days.

The Charlotte Observer reported (http://bit.ly/13SJqWa) that county animal control officers have had to euthanize nine other cats at the shelter because of the virus.

The ban on accepting cats at the shelter will continue until Monday.

The virus, known as "feline calicivirus," is spread through the mouth, blood and feces.

Workers are sanitizing the shelter.

The virus is not transferable to other animals or humans.

Officials say no cats have been adopted during the outbreak.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com