Medicine Hat's APARC remains on lockdown after an outbreak of panleukopenia, a disease that attacks the white blood cells in felines. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

APARC still on lockdown due to panleukopenia

Jan 16, 2023 | 4:43 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Eleven days since an infectious virus forced it into lockdown, the Alberta Pound & Rescue Centre – Medicine Hat is still more than a week away from reopening.

APARC Medicine Hat closed its doors on Jan. 5 after a confirmed case of panleukopenia, a disease that attacks the white blood cells in felines.

Most recently a case was confirmed and a cat had to be euthanized on Friday

“Every time an animal is tested positive and we have to euthanize we have to set the lockdown another two weeks ahead,” says general manager Steven Wolf. “So if things hold the way there are we’re hoping to get back into business somewhat Jan. 27.”

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APARC has confirmed six cases, and all those cats have had to be euthanized. But it could have been much worse, Wolf says.

All vulnerable cats were fostered out within days and their health is continually being checked on, as are the animals still at APARC, Wolf says.

He adds APARC staff are trying to keep their morale as high as possible during the outbreak