Feline Distemper Outbreak Plunges Genesee County Animal Control into Crisis, Halting All Cat Adoptions and Intakes

A somber cloud has fallen over Genesee County Animal Control as a highly contagious and often deadly feline distemper outbreak has forced the immediate suspension of all cat adoptions and intakes. The devastating news, effective October 1, 2025, means that for at least the next two to three weeks, no new cats can enter the facility, and no beloved felines can find their forever homes.

Feline distemper, medically known as panleukopenia, is a ruthless viral disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues.

Its onset is swift and brutal, often manifesting with severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and a dangerously suppressed immune system. For unvaccinated cats and especially kittens, the prognosis is grim, with mortality rates soaring to alarming levels.

This heartbreaking decision was not made lightly by the dedicated staff at Genesee County Animal Control.

Faced with the daunting challenge of containing the aggressive virus and protecting their vulnerable feline residents, they had no choice but to implement drastic measures. The closure period is critical for intense cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring of all cats currently within the shelter’s walls.

Each day is a battle against the spread, a race against time to save lives.

The current situation creates a severe strain on the shelter's resources and space. With intakes paused, the community is urged to find alternative solutions for stray or surrendered cats, knowing that the facility is temporarily unable to offer refuge.

Furthermore, the inability to adopt out cats means that precious kennel space remains occupied, exacerbating existing overcrowding issues.

Experts consistently highlight vaccination as the most powerful weapon against feline distemper. The core FVRCP vaccine, which includes protection against panleukopenia, is crucial for all cats, particularly those with outdoor access or those interacting with other felines.

This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of preventative veterinary care.

In this challenging time, Genesee County Animal Control is appealing to the compassionate hearts of the community for support. While they cannot accept feline fosters or intakes, they are desperately seeking foster homes for their wonderful dogs.

Opening your home to a canine companion would free up critical kennel space, allowing the shelter to better manage the crisis and provide necessary isolation for affected cats. Donations of cleaning supplies, specialized food for sick animals, and monetary contributions are also invaluable in their fight against this formidable disease.

The dedicated team at Genesee County Animal Control is working tirelessly to overcome this outbreak and ensure the health and safety of their feline charges.

They ask for patience, understanding, and the continued support of the community as they navigate this difficult period, striving to reopen their cat adoption and intake services as soon as it is safe to do so.