MIAMI (AP) -- Seventy-two kittens have been euthanized by Miami-Dade County Animal Services because of the "cat plague." The highly contagious illness, called feline panleukopenia, is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract. All cats at the shelter that show symptoms are being euthanized.

Shelter officials tell The Miami Herald cats are likely picking up the disease in the community and spreading it once placed in the shelter. Veterinarians and other workers are taking extra precautions to prevent other cats from getting sick. Thirty-two have been quarantined.

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