LAUDERHILL, FLA. (WSVN) – South Florida veterinarians are warning cat owners about a highly contagious virus that can be especially dangerous for kittens, but is now also being seen in some adult cats.<\/p>\n
Doctors say feline panleukopenia, or feline parvo, is a potentially deadly virus that is spreading quickly among cats.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, inappetence, and bone marrow suppression, which will be seen on blood work,\u201d said veterinarian Dr. Erika Blanco.<\/p>\n
Kittens are considered the most vulnerable, but adult cats are not immune, according to veterinarians.<\/p>\n
The virus can also be particularly difficult to contain because it can last a long time on surfaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is highly stable in the environment, so that means it can live on surfaces for up to about a year,\u201d said Blanco.<\/p>\n
Michelle Reichler with Saving Sage Animal Rescue says the organization has been seeing an uptick in cases, although they\u2019re not currently dealing with any infected cats.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a huge burden on us specifically, but anyone who\u2019s housing animals,\u201d said Reichler.<\/p>\n
At rescues where cats share food dishes, litter boxes and common areas, an infected animal creates a major challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to completely quarantine animals, and we have to don complete personal protective gear, and we\u2019re already short on volunteers,\u201d said Reichler.<\/p>\n
Veterinarians also warn that indoor cats are not necessarily protected from the virus. An owner who comes into contact with an infected cat outside can potentially bring the virus home to an unvaccinated pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see that a lot, the false sense of security that because my cat is indoors, it is not at risk,\u201d said Reichler.<\/p>\n
Blanco says good hygiene can also help reduce the risk of bringing viruses home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we don\u2019t practice good hygiene when we\u2019re out in the field and come home, you can bring some of these things home,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
It remains unclear why the infection numbers appear to be spiking in some areas, but doctors say there is an important way to protect cats: vaccination.<\/p>\n
Regular core annual vaccines can help prevent this virus and significantly reduce disease severity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impacts are lessened so greatly by the vaccine, you know, that it is critically important,\u201d said Reichler.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is also a disease that is very disheartening because it is so preventable,\u201d said Blanco.<\/p>\n
Doctors say the message for cat owners is simple: make sure cats are up to date on their vaccines, regardless of their age, even if they live exclusively indoors.<\/p>\n
Several clinics and animal rescues across South Florida, including Saving Sage, offer lower-cost vaccination options.<\/p>\n
As for pet-less residents, if they want to help, the best way is to donate to local rescues like Saving Sage so they can keep caring for animals and preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.<\/p>\n
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