Confirmed Feline Panleukopenia in the community
August 1, 2016
Hayward Animal Services wants to inform the public about confirmed Feline Panleukopenia in the community. Several cats brought to Hayward Animal Services have tested positive for the Feline Panleukopenia virus, also referred to as Feline Distemper.
As a result, the Hayward Animal Shelter will not be accepting healthy, friendly, or feral cats for the next 21 days. This will help to reduce the risk of exposing other healthy cats. Each time the Shelter discovers the virus, the animal shelter staff has to isolate the ward and conduct a thorough cleaning of the shelter facility to prevent further contamination.
- What it is: Feline Panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a type of parvovirus.
- Transmission: From feline to feline through the fecal – oral route. Kittens are at highest risk for Feline Panleukopenia. Feline Panleukopenia can also spread through unvaccinated colonies of cats.
- Symptoms: There is an incubation period of generally less than 14 days. Cats infected with the virus may vomit, have diarrhea, be dehydrated, be lethargic, or die suddenly.
- Prevention: Vaccination. Commonly known as the FVRCP vaccine
What you can do:
- Speak with your veterinarian to ensure your cat(s) are currently vaccinated against the virus.
- Keep your cat(s) indoors. Not only does this protect your cat from viruses transmitted by other animals but it also prevents injury and illness caused by cat fights or getting hit by a car.
- If you feed community cats, it is imperative that you feed responsibly:
- All cats must be spayed or neutered
- All cats must be vaccinated with the FVRCP and Rabies vaccine
For more information about the virus, responsible Trap/Neuter/Return, resources for Spay/Neuter or to find out how you can help, please contact the shelter at 510-293-7200, visit www.HaywardAnimals.org or Hayward Animal Services Bureau Page.
Hayward Animal Services Bureau
16 Barnes Ct.
Hayward, CA 94544
510-293-7200
