The Kaohsiung Shoushan Animal Shelter currently has two fixed isolation areas and several isolation cages for dogs and cats. All newly admitted animals are first isolated for observation while undergoing treatments such as external parasite removal and vaccinations. The two animal shelters in Kaohsiung accept stray animals from across the city, with 25 dogs and cats having died from infectious diseases last year. Local officials express concern that if infectious diseases are not promptly controlled, they could spread to other animals. There have been past incidents where adopted cats contracted feline panleukopenia and died, particularly as the Shoushan Shelter is nearing its capacity with 250 animals, including 97 dog spaces and 14 cat spaces.
City council member Chiu Yu-hsuan noted that many citizens have reported rapid deaths of adopted cats due to panleukopenia, suspected to be contracted at the shelter. Due to space limitations, basic isolation measures cannot be adequately implemented, leading to significant health risks among the numerous animals housed together. Chiu suggested planning separate areas for kittens and adult cats and recommended temperature checks for newly admitted animals, followed by fecal screenings for those showing abnormalities.
The city's Animal Protection Office responded that the shelters experience daily animal admissions and departures, creating a complex environment. To prevent cross-contamination of diseases, the Shoushan Shelter has adjusted its space usage by adding one new isolation area for incoming dogs and cats and multiple temporary isolation cages as needed. New arrivals are isolated for observation, with some capacity transferred to the Yanchao Shelter for assistance. Additionally, routine disinfection of the entire facility occurs weekly, including the sun exposure of feeding bowls and water containers to reduce pathogens in the environment.
According to the Animal Protection Office, last year's death toll of dogs and cats in shelters was the lowest among Taiwan's six major cities. Incoming animals are isolated by age during observation periods, with vaccinations administered at appropriate times to enhance resistance against infections. Veterinarians conduct daily inspections; suspected cases are tested using rapid screening kits and moved to medical treatment rooms for isolation to prevent further spread of infections. Kittens under three months old are not available for adoption due to their unstable health and immune systems. Adoption events inform potential adopters about related disease risks and recommended measures to ensure animal health.
