IS YOUR CAT AT RISK?
An extremely contagious feline virus is spreading through Broward County and it could put unvaccinated kittens and cats at risk.
WHAT IS IT?
The virus Feline Panleukopenia (FP), known as Pan Leuk, comes from the feline parvovirus, and can be transmitted to your cat by other cats or humans. The virus is quick to develop and shows no symptoms before a cat is infected. Because of that incubation period cats mortality is extremely high.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Unvaccinated kittens are most susceptible to the virus because they typically do not receive vaccinations until they are eight weeks old. Any unvaccinated cat(s) that have missed their vaccination schedule during its life can contract the disease, including domesticated indoor house cats. Although people are not at risk, they can spread the virus after touching an infected cat and coming-in contact with an unvaccinated cat.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Prevention is vital to your cat’s health, and the key to prevention is vaccination.
There are several scenarios to consider: 1. Cat owners and fosters 2. Anyone caring for feral cats, anyone seeking to adopt a kitten or cat.
Cat Owners/Fosters:
Make sure your cat(s) and cat fosters have all scheduled feline vaccinations. A double vaccination series must be given at eight weeks old, then one shot at one year of age and one shot every three years thereafter. The vaccinations are broad spectrum that include Feline Panleukopenia prevention.
Quarantine all kittens less than eight weeks old. If they come-in contact with other cats or humans that have come in contact with unvaccinated cats, there is a high probability they can contract the virus, which is often fatal to susceptible kittens.
Feral Cats:
Anyone who is caring for feral cats should be very careful when coming-in contact with cats that may not be vaccinated since humans can spread the virus. If you or someone you know assists with trap, neuter, and release (TNR) of feral cats, be sure to request the necessary vaccinations to protect the cats, and prevent the spread of Feline Panleukopenia and other diseases.
Cat Adoptions:
If you are planning to adopt make sure you find your “fur-ever” love at a shelter or rescue that vaccinates their cats. All cats at Abandoned Pet Rescue are vaccinated or kept in quarantine until they are old enough to receive all required vaccinations.
Report Cases
Please report any cases to Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, which is tracking cases of Feline Panleukopenia in Broward County, and has shared this map from cases that have been reported.
Other Resources
The disease spreads often through communities, and it is currently reaching an epidemic proportion in the Broward /South Florida area. Sharing credential resources will help our communities address this issue.
American Veterinary Medical Association provides essential details about Feline Panleukopenia
PetMD Essential Cat Vaccinations
Local Resources
Some clinics offer low-cost vaccination options:
- Cats Exclusive, Inc. in Margate, FL offers Low-cost vaccine clinic on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 6350 West Atlantic Blvd. Margate, FL 33063
- Humane Society vaccination clinics
- Tri-County Animal Rescue
- Broward County Animal Care and Adoption contact: communitycats@broward.org for vaccination options
- Your local Veterinarian has the vaccine you need
Abandoned Pet Rescue is providing this information as a public service to the community in hopes that the lives of your cats and others are saved.
