HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The Central Nebraska Humane Society is dealing with an outbreak of panleukopenia, a highly contagious illness affecting cats and kittens.

The disease causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea and extreme lethargy. It also spreads quickly through direct contact with infected animals.

Staff at the shelter say several stray cats brought to the facility between May 1 and July 31 were already infected. Despite quarantine and treatment efforts, the illness has spread to much of the shelter’s feline population.

The Humane Society reports taking in about 350 cats and kittens during the three-month period.

The Humane Society announced Monday that to help prevent further spread, it’s pausing adoptions until further notice.

Unfortunately we have been battling a

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