Feline Panleucopenia
Death
The combination of fluid loss, immune suppression and septicaemia can prove rapidly fatal in young and vulnerable kittens.
Density of Reports
The map shows the density of confirmed cases of feline panlecucopaenia for the past three years.
This is not necessarily an indication of what areas the disease is more prevalent in, as the data captured by these labs is likely to be a small proportion of the suspected number of cats that might be affected by the disease.
This is, however, an indication that this disease is present in the UK and if vaccination rates drop, we are likely to see an increase in the number of cats being affected by this dangerous disease.
Speak to your vet about how to make sure your cat is protected against feline panlecucopaenia
The map shows the relative proportion of PCR-confirmed feline panleucopenia cases by region, submitted to SAVSNET-participating veterinary diagnostic laboratories over the last 3 years. Grey regions are areas where no data is available. The data underlying these charts is supplied by SAVSNET at the University of Liverpool (www.liverpool.ac.uk/savsnet). All charts and interpretations are those of MSD Animal Health.
How is it spread?
Infected cats pass virus in their urine and faeces for a maximum of six weeks. The virus persists in the environment for long periods (many months or even years) and is resistant to many cleaning products and disinfectants. For these reasons, contact with a contaminated environment is the most likely source of infection. Kittens may also be infected inside the womb by the virus passing across the placenta from their mother, if she is infected while pregnant.
Prevention and Control
Treatment is typically supportive often including intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Without intensive nursing, the disease may prove rapidly fatal
Most cat vaccines on the UK market include panleucopaenia as one of the diseases it protects against and vaccination is recommended for all cats as part of their regular healthcare. Boosters are required to maintain immunity and it is particularly important that queens are up-to-date before any planned breeding.