Feline Parvo outbreak in Pretoria – here is what you should know

The Citizen

24-04-2025

Feline Parvo outbreak in Pretoria – here is what you should know
A deadly outbreak of Feline Parvo, also known as Panleukopenia, has struck the Tshwane District, forcing animal shelters to quarantine all cats, halt adoptions, and restrict public access as urgent containment measures are put in place — here's what you need to know to protect your pets.
The Tshwane SPCA said in a post on Facebook that they are taking precautions at both branches.
'All cat adoption is placed on hold and our cats are under quarantine till further notice. No members of the public will be allowed around the cattery or kennels.
'These measures are put in place to protect your cats as well as ours. This will not be negotiated.'
It furthermore advised that if you find a cat decease, place in a double plastic black bag and notify us before you bring it to our premises.
'Please leave the carcass in your vehicle and we will collect it from you.'
It highlighted that Panleukopenia does not infect humans.
'Feline Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is an extremely contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through contact with an infected cat's saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge, or faeces.
'However, feline Panleukopenia does not infect humans. There is no cure for Panleukopenia and, without treatment, it has a high mortality rate.'
It added that Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting cats, particularly kittens.
'It is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV), which belongs to the parvovirus family. Symptoms include depression, anorexia, high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration.
'The disease can lead to sudden death, especially in young cats, as it severely impacts the immune system and intestinal health. Vaccination is crucial for prevention.'
The Tshwane SPCA furthermore said even with treatment, FPL has a high mortality rate of 50% to 80%.
'Poor prognostic indicators include low leukocyte or platelet counts or hypoalbuminaemia or hypokalemia at presentation. Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is the clinical disease syndrome caused by infection with Carnivore proto parvovirus 1.'
Here is a fact sheet on Panleukopenia (feline distemper):
• Overview: Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus (FPV) that affects all members of the feline family, particularly kittens.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a significant drop in white blood cell count.
• Transmission: The virus is primarily spread through faecal-oral contact and can survive in the environment for several months.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis is typically made through clinical signs and laboratory tests. Treatment focuses on supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral therapy.
• Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Panleukopenia in cats.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the sources: Petfinder and Veterinary Partner.
To clean and disinfect after Panleukopenia in cats, follow these steps:
1. Toss: Discard items that are too difficult to clean or not worth the effort.
2. Clean: Remove all organic material and dirt from the object.
3. Sanitize: Use a disinfectant proven effective against FPLV (feline panleukopenia virus).
4. Repeat: Repeat the cleaning and sanitizing process at least two or three times.
Also read: Pretoria principal accused of brutal beatings
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