Severe Disease Outbreak Kills Over 50 Cats at Olhu Hiyaa Shelter
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
A collaborative report by four associations has revealed a severe disease outbreak at the Olhu Hiyaa animal shelter, where 51 cats have reportedly died within a period of 20 days.
According to the report, multiple cat-related diseases, including mycoplasma, have been spreading within the shelter, causing a rapid escalation in the number of deaths. Despite this, shelter officials and employees have been unable to determine the exact cause behind the sudden increase in fatalities.
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As of 15 September, the shelter housed 127 cats, with an additional eight brought in later. However, the report noted that only 84 cats remain, with no available data on their genders or the number of kittens.
The associations stated that all cats are kept within the same vicinity, increasing the risk of infections spreading. Healthy cats are reportedly housed alongside those with viral and fungal diseases, while both male and female cats share the same space.
The report further highlighted that the doctor responsible for treating the cats has access only to second-choice antibiotics, which has limited treatment options. The doctor, who began working at the shelter a month ago, has no prior records on the cats’ care or vaccination history.
Concerns were also raised over the shelter’s hygiene practices. The report said that cleaning staff use the same gloves and brushes across all cages, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Although staff claimed that separate scoops are used for feeding quarantined and outdoor cats, the report noted that this could not be verified. Visible stool was also observed on litter boxes and furniture.
There have also been growing concerns from citizens regarding the situation, with many expressing that the shelter is not a safe environment for the cats. Members of the public have criticised the management of the facility, arguing that it represents a waste of public funds as it has failed to provide adequate care and a safe space for the animals housed there.
