Latest news with #FelinePanleukopenia
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
SPCA on alert after cat tests positive for Feline Panleukopenia
SPCA on alert after cat tests positive for Feline Panleukopenia The Boksburg SPCA took all precautions after a stray cat at the facility tested positive for Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV). Manager Vicky Finnemore explained that FPV is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting cats, especially unvaccinated cats and kittens. The virus belongs to the parvovirus family. 'Given the highly contagious nature of this virus, combined with the high density of animals in our care, the Boksburg SPCA placed our cattery and clinic under immediate quarantine.' As a result, they suspended all cat adoptions and sterilisation procedures until further notice. 'This measure is necessary to protect and safeguard both the cats in our care and those belonging to the public and to ensure containing the virus,' she added. Furthermore, they will contact cat owners with upcoming sterilisation appointments to make alternative arrangements. Finnemore pointed out that FPV does not affect humans or dogs. FPV fact sheet, as provided by Boksburg SPCA: Overview: Feline Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Feline Parvovirus. It affects all members of the feline family, particularly kittens. Symptoms: Common symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a significant drop in white blood cell count. Transmission: The virus spreads through the faecal-oral route and gets transmitted through contaminated food bowls, shoes, clothing, and surfaces. It can survive in the environment for several months. Diagnosis and treatment: It is diagnosed with clinical signs and confirmation with a snap test. There is no specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is essential. Treatment focuses on supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral therapy. The mortality rate ranges between 50% and 80%. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing FPV. Advice • If your cat shows any of the listed symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. • Boksburg SPCA cannot treat Panleukopenia on-site. If you find a deceased cat, place the body in two sealed plastic refuse bags. If bringing it to the SPCA, remain in your vehicle and call for assistance upon arrival at 011 916 5907, 083 763 6311 or 067 409 4267. A staff member will collect the animal from your vehicle. • If you wish the SPCA to humanely euthanise a sick cat, remain in your vehicle and call the SPCA using the numbers above. A staff member will assist you. • If you surrendering or bringing in a stray cat, stay in your car and call the SPCA. Staff will collect the animal from your vehicle. • Consult your veterinarian for guidance about appropriate disinfectants and cleaning methods if your cat was diagnosed with FPV. Also Read: Find your perfect furry friend at the Boksburg SPCA Also Read: Boksburg SPCA in urgent need of cat and kitten food At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Feline Parvo outbreak in Pretoria – here is what you should know
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 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
