COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - It is the busiest time of year for rescues as kittens flood into shelters.

But Six Kittens Rescue in Bryan-College Station has temporarily paused rehoming efforts after a dozen kittens were diagnosed with, or are showing symptoms of, Panleukopenia."While we always keep this panleukopenia in the back of our mind, we like not to expect it. And then it's just, it's like wildfire because kittens always come in groups," said Abby Rafferty, the Interim Medical Director for Six Kittens Rescue.

The virus, also called feline parvo, is highly contagious and has no direct cure.