Animal shelter taking precautions against cat virus
The Tri-County Animal Shelter (TCAS) is asking residents to delay turning over their cats until mid-September or to reach out to a rescue partner. A cat rescued from the shelter has tested positive for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). FPV is a viral disease contagious to cats, both domesticated and wild feline species but not humans. TCAS will continue receiving both stray and owned cats but is striving to limit the number of cats potentially exposed to this virus.
According to a press release, TCAS is taking all necessary precautions to reduce the possible spread of FPV to other cats in the shelter, including consulting with veterinarians, quarantining exposed cats, ensuring cleaning procedures are followed, and continuing to vaccinate at the appropriate intervals. FPV is resistant to many disinfectants and survives a long time in an environment.
Vaccinations against FPV are very effective, and are part of the core vaccines routinely given to cats. Most vaccinated cats are completely protected from this disease. As part of a new pet cat program, a veterinarian will recommend a series of vaccines, usually starting at 6-8 weeks of age. It is important to follow this schedule as the vaccinations will not fully protect cats until the entire series is given. Different types of vaccines are available, and a veterinarian can help choose the one right for each cat.
Keeping kittens (and cats) indoors, and away from other unvaccinated cats, is the best way to prevent exposure to FPV and other viruses.
If anyone has any additional questions about FPV, contact a veterinarian. For a list of rescue partners, contact TCAS at 301-932-1713 or 1-800-903-1992.
County announces fall trips and tours
The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism offers many trips and tours throughout the calendar year — bus trips, overnight trips and “Fly Away” trips.
Upcoming trips for all ages include:
• Wilmington and Western Railroad and Winterthur Museum and Gardens, Wilmington, Del., Saturday, Oct. 22, register by Sept. 22. Fee: $105/ person.
• Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall, New York City, Saturday, Nov. 19, register by Oct. 24. Fee: $160/ person.
• American Holiday Festival, US Army Band, Washington D.C.,
Saturday, Dec. 3, register by Nov. 4. Fee: $46/person. Upcoming trips for seniors citizens, age 60 and older, include:
• A Christmas Story, Riverside Dinner Theater, Fredricksburg, Va., Wednesday, Nov. 30, register by Oct. 17. Fee: $98/person. Fly away trips include:
• Pacific Northwest and California — eight days, 10 meals, April 23-30, 2017
• The Colorado Rockies — nine days, 12 meals, July 14-22, 2017 • Switzerland, Austria Bavaria — 10 Days, 12 meals, Sept. 21-30, 2017 Online registration is available at www.CharlesCountyParks.com.
Registrations for trips are accepted at the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism in Port Tobacco. Senior trip registrations are also accepted at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata.
For more information on other events offered by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, visit www.CharlesCountyParks. com, or call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.