Animal Care Alliance moves most services

Because of a disease outbreak among its cats, Animal Care Alliance is moving its surgeries and appointments to another location for at least a month.

The low-cost veterinary clinic and wildlife rescue center on Abington Pike announced Dec. 6 that its office is closed to the general public.

Surgeries and appointments are being moved to Springwood Park at 64 Waterfall Road in Richmond. Access to Springwood will be by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed.

ACA is performing diagnostic testing on its affected cats for feline panleukopenia, also known over the years as feline distemper, feline infectious enteritis, cat fever and cat typhoid, according to an article from American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website aspcapro.org that ACA shared on social media.

Young kittens are especially vulnerable; the prognosis is better in older cats, ASPCA says.

The causative agent of the outbreak does not infect humans or dogs, ACA staff notes.

Although cats are good at hiding illness, a few signs of panleukopenia include fever, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, anorexia or sudden death, ASPCA says. Some sick cats sit for a long time in front of their water bowls without drinking much.

Until ACA’s cat population is out of quarantine, holds are being placed on any adoptions from its facility. However, some of ACA’s foster pets can still be adopted, so those interested are asked to contact the organization.

Clients can still pick up their pets’ medications at 1353 Abington Pike via curbside service between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Pet owners are to call ahead for their refill and upon arrival, call the clinic to request a technician bring out the medication.

Those with any concerns because of a recent visit are asked to call 765-488-2444. Staff say cats who came to ACA’s photos with Santa event are at low risk if they are vaccinated, especially if they are adult cats.