Idaho Animal Shelter Euthanizes 6 Cats Due to Disease

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho animal shelter will close for a cleaning day after a feline disease caused six cats to be euthanized and about 20 others to be quarantined.

The Idaho State Journal reports that a deadly feline respiratory disease called Feline Calicivirus hit the Pocatello Animal Shelter this week.

Cats currently being held at other area rescue operations will be able to return to the shelter after Tuesday's cleaning.

The six cats that have been euthanized didn't respond to treatment. The shelter isolated about 20 cats that workers believe were infected.

Pocatello Animal Services Director Richard Stewart says the shelter consulted with local veterinarians to come up with its course of action.

The shelter euthanized its whole cat population following a feline herpes outbreak last summer.