PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. \u2014 A highly contagious and deadly virus is exploding this summer and spreading like wildfire through local cat communities, but there is a safe and effective way to protect felines. <\/p>\n
Deborah Pachano from Pretty Kitty Rescue in Miami has dedicated her life to rescuing and saving cat lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe typically have a few cases every year and that\u2019s really normal, but we\u2019ve never seen anything like this,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
This summer, she said she has lost more cats than ever before.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing is more heartbreaking, I have to tell you, than to see little innocent kittens pass away right in front of you, it\u2019s absolutely heartbreaking,\u201d Pachano said. <\/p>\n
Doing the deadly damage is a new strain of a highly contagious and often fatal virus for felines.<\/p>\n
Vet tech Amy Dombkowski cares for more than 200 cats with Purrr Adoption & Sanctuary.<\/p>\n
\u201cFeline panleukopenia is a highly contagious, often fatal parvo virus and it spreads like wildfire,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s (been) very popular with little kittens for a long, long time, but now we are starting to see a different strain that\u2019s affecting the adults as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Animal care specialists have also seen the strain adapt and become stronger as it targets innocent and unvaccinated cats.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe use different pee pee pads, we use different towels, we use gloves, we use protectants, we use disinfectants all the time,\u201d said Dombkowski.<\/p>\n
Immediate symptoms are loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.<\/p>\n
Right now, South Florida is a hot spot for this virus, and the reasons are because we are so hot, and we\u2019re also dealing with a huge overpopulation of cats in our community, which makes it too easy for the virus to spread.<\/p>\n
Tanya Lynn Heller founded Purrr Adoption & Sanctuary and believes a lack of vaccines is fueling this summer spread.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur fosters this year, everyone has experienced it, and it\u2019s been bad,\u201d said Heller. \u201cThey have lost adult cats, they have lost kittens almost immediately, so it\u2019s really hard right now to get a foster because they are burned out, they are sad.\u201d<\/p>\n
For that reason, her rescue is providing low-cost care for panleukopenia, also known as feline parvo, for $25 a shot. Cats need three. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo if they can get at least one (dose) in, it helps,\u201d said Heller. \u201cTwo helps protect them and three actually solidifies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local 10 News checked with Broward County Animal Care and even though the shelter does not track cases, they said they \u201chave seen an increase in cases this summer, resulting in 8-10 instances of cat rooms being under quarantine due to exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miami-Dade Animal Services reported 216 cases so far this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can spread so quickly, it\u2019s very, very contagious, so you\u2019re spreading it without even knowing they are sick,\u201d said Pachano. <\/p>\n
Added Heller: \u201cYou could be playing with some cat that you think is healthy, come home, pet your cat, and you\u2019ve given it a death sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The incubation period is two to seven days, making it a very risky virus that can quickly circulate before symptoms even show.<\/p>\n
There is no cure, only supportive care. <\/p>\n
There is a lab test to check for the disease, but by the time cats show signs, it\u2019s often too late. Many die within 24 to 48 hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have survived many beforehand, but with this particular strain, it just took them so fast,\u201d said Pachano. <\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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