At Thursday’s meeting of the Jefferson County Commission board members of the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County reported that there is not an outbreak of FIP and despite reports to the contrary, there never was.FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, claimed the life of a two cats owned by Charles Town resident Lana England earlier this year.  She asked that all cats at the county’s shelter be tested, but society board member Jeff Breese said that would not be necessary.  He said that while England’s lose is tragic, it had nothing to do with anything the shelter did or did not do.  He told the County Commission the tests are inconclusive and cost about $85.00 per animal, meaning testing all of the cats currently in their care would cost more than $4,000 dollars.  Breese said any money offered by the commission would be appreciated but refused as there is no need for concern.  Steps are taken on a daily basis to prevent disease including cleaning of the litter boxes and cages.  Breese also said any new animals entering the shelter are isolated and observed before they are introduced to the population.County Commissioners recommended that the board change the language of their adoption contract to include mention of FIP, and let people know a test is available if they wish to have one performed.

Categories: Local News
Tags: Animal Welfar, Animal Welfare, Animals, Breese, Disease, England, FIP, health, Jefferson County Commission, pets