Showing posts with label shelter. Show all posts

Monday, December 3, 2012

Infectious diseases in cat shelters

DiGangi BA, Levy JK, Griffin B, et al. Prevalence of serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and feline calicivirus in cats entering a Florida animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 1320-5.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) are widespread in the cat population, and particularly in shelter environments. The American Association of Feline Practitioners guidelines recommend that all cats at or over 4 weeks of age be vaccinated against these three viruses upon admission to animal shelters. However, the proportion of cats entering shelters that are already protected (i.e., seropositive) against infection (FPV) or disease (FHV-1 and FCV) because of prior vaccination or natural exposure is usually unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with seropositivity for FPV, FHV-1, and FCV in cats entering a Florida animal shelter.

Of 347 cats enrolled in this study, prevalence of seropositivity was 39.8%, 11.0% and 36.6% against FPV, FHV-1, and FCV, respectively. Factors associated with seropositivity included sterilization, age equal to or greater than 6 months, and relinquishment by an owner. Surprisingly, community origin (i.e., rural or urban), health status, signs of previous caregiving aside from sterilization, and outcome (i.e., adopted, transferred, euthanized, or reclaimed by owner) were not associated with seropositivity and should not be used to determine an individual cat’s need for vaccination. This study suggests that most cats admitted to an animal shelter do not have adequate antibody protection against infection or disease; therefore, the recommendation to vaccinate all cats admitted to an animal shelter is reasonable and vaccination should not be withheld due to signs of previous veterinary care. [GO]

See also: DiGangi BA, Gray LK, Levy JK, Dubovi EJ and Tucker SJ. Detection of protective antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus in shelter cats using a point-of-care ELISA. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 912-8.

Related blog articles:
Upper respiratory tract disease in shelters (November 2009)
Disease control in animal shelters (May 2011)
Coronavirus in California shelter cats (April 2012)

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Intestinal pathogens in shelter cats

Sabshin SJ, Levy JK, Tupler T, Tucker SJ, Greiner EC and Leutenegger CM. Enteropathogens identified in cats entering a Florida animal shelter with normal feces or diarrhea. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 331-7.

Some pathogens of the intestines of cats are transmissible to people. Some pathogens may be more common in shelter-housed cats than pet cats likely due to lack of preventive health care. Often times infected cats are completely asymptomatic. These investigators examined the feces of cats entering a shelter for various enteric pathogens. They tested 100 cats from a municipal shelter, 50 with diarrhea and 50 without, for a variety of enteric pathogens. Twelve different agents were identified. Interestingly, cats with diarrhea were no more likely to be infected with more than one pathogen than cats without any symptoms. Only feline coronavirus was more likely to be found in cats with diarrhea than cats with normal stools.

Among the 12 agents identified in the cats tested, several were zoonotic agents, transmissible to people. These included various parasites as well as Salmonella. It is not possible to test all shelter cats for these pathogens, thus it is imperative that appropriate management and biosecurity measures be used by personnel at shelters for their protection. [MK]

See also: Queen EV, Marks SL and Farver TB. Prevalence of selected bacterial and parasitic agents in feces from diarrheic and healthy control Cats from Northern California. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 54-60.

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Adoption of Shelter Kittens

Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

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Disease Control in Animal Shelters

Steneroden KK, Hill AE, Salman MD: A needs-assessment and demographic survey of infection-control and disease awareness in western US animal shelters, Prev Vet Med 98:52, 2011.

Infection control strategies and disease awareness were evaluated in shelters in six western states using detailed survey questions. Responses from 78 of 157 shelters were received. Statistical descriptive evaluation of the results indicated that the top 3 diseases of concern were feline respiratory disease, canine parvovirus, and ringworm. In 45% of shelters responding many or most animals arrive with an infectious disease. Written protocols for preventive practices were present at 88% of shelters responding, cleaning and disinfection protocols in 75%, outbreak response/control protocols in 36%, and infection control manuals in 15%. Veterinarians are in charge of infection control in 6% of the shelters. About 45% vaccinate dogs and cats for rabies while at the shelter. Training is provided for 30-35% of staff and volunteers at hiring. Institutionalized and ongoing worker training as well as development of infection control protocols were identified by the investigators as areas of focus needing attention in order to improve the ability to prevent and respond to infectious diseases. [MK]

Related articles:

Dinnage JD, Scarlett JM, Richards JR: Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter, J Feline Med Surg 11:816, 2009.

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Related articles:

Dinnage JD, Scarlett JM, Richards JR: Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter, J Feline Med Surg 11:816, 2009.

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Community Demographics & Shelter Adoptions

Patronek GJ: Use of geospatial neighborhood control locations for epidemiological analysis of community-level pet adoption patterns, Am J Vet Res 71: 1321, 2010.

This study explored the joint effect of distance and neighborhood-level demographics on pet adoptions from an animal shelter. The methods used to perform the study were client segmentation, geospatial tools, and epidemiological techniques that evaluated locations of 1,563 adoptions from an animal shelter in eastern Massachusetts. Proximity to the shelter was found to be strongly associated with adoption. Locations that were less than 6 miles (9.7 km) from the shelter having higher block group median income, or having a greater proportion of households that were composed of married couples with children in the block group, were associated with increased odds of being an adoption location. Neighborhood lifestyle characteristics were also noted to profoundly influence shelter adoption patterns. This study explored pet adoptions as one aspect of shelter operations. There are other potential applications of this type of technology and analysis for shelter outreach in identifying underserved areas for mobile spay-neuter programs, improvement of allocation of animal control resources, better targeting of media messages about the shelter, along with other possibilities. [VT]

Patronek GJ: Use of geospatial neighborhood control locations for epidemiological analysis of community-level pet adoption patterns, Am J Vet Res 71: 1321, 2010.

Identifying Feral Cats in Shelters

Slater MR, Miller KA, Weiss E et al: A survey of the methods used in shelter and rescue programs to identify feral and frightened pet cats, J Feline Med Surg 12:592, 2010.

At least 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters nationwide on an annual basis and at least half are free-roaming cats. Free-roaming cats are defined as any cat living part of the time outdoors. Animal welfare organizations must make disposition decisions on intake of millions of cats each year and it can be difficult to differentiate between feral cats and frightened socialized cats. This study’s objectives were to learn about methods used to evaluate and categorize incoming cats, amount of time cats are held before assessment, and the level of cooperation between welfare agencies to minimize euthanasia of feral cats. The authors find no widely-accepted criteria or information-gathering guidelines among the responses collected. Only 15% of the 555 respondents had written guidelines. Many respondents indicated that time was the most important element of deciding if a cat was feral or not. Minimal holding times were highly varied, with 1-3 days cited as the most common holding time among all organizations, especially animal control programs. Approximately half the groups transferred feral cats to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs at least occasionally. The results of the survey highlight the need for more research to develop focused standardized guidelines for determining feral status early in the shelter intake process. [VT]

Related articles:
Wallace JL, Levy JK: Population characteristics of feral cats admitted to seven trap-neuter-return programs in the United States, J Feline Med Surg 8:279, 2006.

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Cat Welfare is Linked to Human Welfare

Patronek GJ: Mapping and measuring disparities in welfare for cats across neighborhoods in a large US city, J Am Vet Med Assoc 71:161, 2010.

The major goal of this study was to determine if it was possible to detect disparities in welfare of cats, as indicated by variations in rates of cat intake and death at animal shelters, within neighborhoods, and across census tracts in a large U.S. city, Boston MA. The study’s data covered a time period of 5 years. The results varied widely within 16 neighborhoods of Boston. Annual rates of cat intakes ranged from 0.85 to 10.3 cats/1000 people to the annual rate of cat deaths of 0.27 to 3.9 cats/1000 persons. A second goal was to determine whether cat mortality rates had any relationship with disparities in human health, such as reflected by premature mortality rates. Cat deaths were found to significantly correlate with human premature deaths at the neighborhood level. This result reaffirms the close connection between the well-being of humans and other animals. The use of geospatial methods in this study allowed accurate connection of cat records to actual human population data. If there is recognition of marked disparities in cat intake and mortality rates within neighborhoods and across census tracts, it may be possible to use targeted, small-area intervention as a means of reducing disparities in cat welfare. [VT]

Related articles:
Barker SB, Wolen AR: The benefits of human-companion animal interaction: a review, J Vet Med Educ 35:487, 2008.

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Effect of Catnip on Shelter Cats

Ellis SLH, Wells DL: The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of cats housed in a rescue shelter, Applied Animal Behaviour Science 123:56, 2010.

This study looked at the impact of environment enrichment in a shelter situation through provision of “novel smells” (odors other than those normally encountered in the shelter environment) in the cat’s enclosure. The odor exposure in the form of odorless cloth, or cloths with odor of rabbit, catnip, or lavender, were placed in the pen with the cat for three hours daily on five consecutive days (30 cats per “odor”, and one group of 30 with no cloth). The cats’ behavior was recorded every five minutes on days 1, 3, and 5. Overall, cats showed relatively little interest in the cloths, spending just over 6% of the total observation time interacting with these stimuli. However, animals exposed to the catnip-impregnated cloths exhibited significantly more interest in the stimulus than animals exposed to the other cloths, spending an average of 11% of the observation time interacting with the objects. Regardless of the odor, or lack thereof, the novelty of the cloth lasted only about one hour. Overall, the results suggest that certain odors, notably catnip, may hold potential as environmental enrichment for captive domestic cats. [MK]

Related articles:
Ellis SLH: Environmental enrichment: Practical strategies for improving feline welfare, J Feline Med Surg 11:901, 2009.

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Successful Cat Adoptions from Shelters

Weiss, E. and S. Gramann (2009). "A comparison of attachment levels of adopters of cats: fee-based adoptions versus free adoptions" J Appl Anim Welf Sci 12(4): 360-370.

Some involved with animal welfare are critical of free adoptions of adult cats, believing it devalues the cat in the adopter’s eyes, or it may attract adopters who are unable to fulfill the financial responsibilities of cat ownership. Advocates believe waiving the fee for adult cats will enhance rates of adoptions, and provide opportunities to educate owners who may otherwise adopt from neighbors or may respond to “free to good home” ads. This study examined the attachment of adopters to their cats in relation to payment or fee waiver for adoption. One hundred seventy-three adopters from a rescue facility in Maine participated in the study, of which 95 paid no adoption fee for their adult cat, and 78 paid a $75 adoption fee. Whether or not an adopter paid the fee was a function of when the shelter was running promotional campaigns for adoptions by offering fee waivers. Using an attachment scale consisting of a series of statements that the adopters would indicate agreement or disagreement (1-strongly disagree, 4-strongly agree), pet attachment was rated. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant difference in the two groups’ attachment to their adopted cat. The authors conclude “implementing a free adult cat adoption program in shelters around the country could dramatically affect the lives of thousands of shelter cats who otherwise either would reside in the shelter for months awaiting adoption or be euthanized. The ultimate goal of shelters is to adopt their animals into loving homes with families who are committed to the success of their pet. The free adult cat adoption program may accomplish these goals, and shelters can feel confident in implementing the program.” [MK]
>> Journal Abstract

Related articles:
Shore, E. R. (2005). "Returning a recently adopted companion animal: adopters' reasons for and reactions to the failed adoption experience." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 8(3): 187-198.
>> PubMed Abstract

Neidhart, L. and R. Boyd (2002). "Companion animal adoption study." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 5(3): 175-192.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Shelters

Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Shelter Cats in Australia

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cat Mortality in Shelters

Murray, J. K., E. Skillings, et al. (2008). "A study of risk factors for cat mortality in adoption centres of a UK cat charity." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 338-345.

In the United Kingdom, there are many animal charities that shelter and re-home cats. Cats Protection, the largest cat-only animal charity in the UK, re-homed about 60,000 cats in 2005. Risk factors for mortality in UK shelters have not been previously studied, and may be applicable to similar animal shelter situations elsewhere in the world. A case-control study was used to examine variables associated with mortality. Retrospective data was collected for 194 cases and 320 control cats. An increased risk of mortality was discovered for cats admitted to shelters unneutered, in fair or poor health, and for cats born at shelters. Kittens under 7 weeks of age and cats over 7 years of age had an increased risk of mortality compared to other age groups. Cats with disabilities also had an increased risk of mortality. Knowledge of risk factors contributing to mortality in shelters can help focus intervention strategies aimed at reducing risk.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Cave, T., H. Thompson, et al. (2002). "Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000)." Vet Rec 151: 497-501.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bannasch, M. and J. Foley (2005). "Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 109-119.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Health News

Pages

Monday, December 3, 2012

Infectious diseases in cat shelters

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Intestinal pathogens in shelter cats

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Adoption of Shelter Kittens

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Disease Control in Animal Shelters

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Community Demographics & Shelter Adoptions

Friday, November 5, 2010

Identifying Feral Cats in Shelters

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Cat Welfare is Linked to Human Welfare

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Effect of Catnip on Shelter Cats

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Successful Cat Adoptions from Shelters

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Shelters

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Shelter Cats in Australia

Monday, September 29, 2008

Cat Mortality in Shelters