FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Animal Shelter will remain closed until about Easter. Since early February, the shelter’s staff has been fighting an outbreak of ringworm among some stray kittens.
Initially one litter of kittens developed ringworm, and then a second litter did, bringing the total to nine kittens. Now only seven kittens have it.
Kitty hugs are what’s keeping Manager Patty Lovell going, she said.
“We’re still treating,” she said.
When cultures were taken recently, she said Friday, they had hoped the results would be positive so the shelter could reopen soon.
But one came back negative, Lovell said.
This time a cat had a spore on it, she said, yet it hadn’t shown any signs or symptoms of the fungal disease, which took workers by surprise.
It’s a healthy cat, she added.
That means another three or four weeks of treatment and preventative treatment for the 14 dogs and 50 cats quarantined at the shelter.
“I feel bad because I didn’t realize how much my animals love the interaction of seeing people,” Lovell said. “I was really surprised.”
She thought the 64 animals would enjoy the respite from visitors. But that isn’t the case, she said.
“My guys teach me wonderful things each day,” she said. “Everybody is being treated, and the ones with ringworm are treated with oral and topical creams. And the cats and dogs not showing any signs are being treated preventively with medicated baths.”
Lovell also noted that she has heard rumors that the shelter euthanized some of its animals, but she said that isn’t true.
They’re all here and doing fine, she said.
While staff have been taking care of the animals, painters have been painting every room a different color instead of off white.
“I’m so excited,” she said.
What better way to reopen, she said, than with Easter colors around April 11.
People have been supportive of the shelter, she said, donating money, cleaning supplies, animal food and treats.
“People are very generous, and it kind of makes us realize the community does support us,” Lovell said.
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