How do cats get infected with the virus that causes Feline Panleukopenia
s p o n s o r e d l i n k s
Feline Panleukopenia Infection occurs when cats come in contact with the blood, urine, stool, nasal secretions, or even the fleas from infected cats. A cat can also become infected without ever coming in direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages, food dishes and the hands or clothing of people who handle the infected cat may harbor the virus and transmit it to other cats. It is, therefore, very important to isolate infected cats. Any materials used on or for infected cats should not be used or allowed to come in contact with other cats, and people handling infected cats should practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading the infection.
The virus that causes Feline Panleukopenia is difficult to destroy and resistant to many disinfectants. At room temperatures, virus present in a cat’s environment can still infect other cats for up to one year. Ideally, unvaccinated cats should not be allowed into an area where an infected cat has been, even if the area has been disinfected. Pregnant female cats that are infected with the virus and become ill (even if they do not appear seriously ill) may give birth to kittens with severe brain damage. In most cases, if a cat recovers from Feline Panleukopenia, it will not infect other cats through direct contact.
source: avma brochure. image source: www.pbase.com