Catherine Mullin, VMD, MS

Distemper occurs intermittently, especially in shelters located in communities with many unvaccinated dogs, and can appear identical to run-of-the-mill "kennel cough."

Animal shelters create a unique environment for the emergence and propagation of infectious diseases.

Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is perhaps the most frustrating illness facing shelter veterinarians, managers and staff.

Canine parvo and feline panleukopenia are closely related viruses that replicate in rapidly dividing cells.

Many shelters are faced with diseases that seem resistant to typical treatment protocols.

It is only relatively recently that shelters actually house cats. Most older shelters were designed to house only dogs as this was the legal mandate of animal control.

It is only relatively recently that shelters actually house cats.

Distemper occurs intermittently, especially in shelters located in communities with many unvaccinated dogs, and can appear identical to run-of-the-mill "kennel cough."

Many shelters are faced with diseases that seem resistant to typical treatment protocols.

Canine parvo and feline panleukopenia are closely related viruses that replicate in rapidly dividing cells.

Feline upper respiratory infection is perhaps the most frustrating illness facing shelter veterinarians, managers and staff.

Animal shelters create a unique environment for the emergence and propagation of infectious diseases.

Ringworm in animal shelters can lead to almost unmanageable outbreaks, thousands of dollars in diagnostic and medical costs, the possibility of spread to adopters and staff, and an intolerable blow to shelter status in the community.