Feline Panleukopenia Virus

Feline Panleukopenia Virus

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), additionally known as cat distemper, is a viral disease among cats caused by parvovirus. Cats of all ages are susceptible to this infection because this virus also have vertical transmission (trans placental) i.e. it can transfer from mother to its kittens.The feline parvovirus infects and kills cells that are fast growing and dividing, together with those in the bone marrow, intestines, and the developing fetus.Fleas and human act as mechanical vectors for this virus.Spread thorough dogs can also occur.

Transmission and spread of virus :

• Feline parvovirus is spread by way of direct fecal-oral route, and indirectly following infection of the environment or objects (e.g, on meals dishes, grooming device, bedding, floors, clothing or hands). It also has the tendency to go through placenta to effect fetuses in pregnant cats and then cause cerebral hypoplasia in newly born kittens.

• Cats can shed the virus in their saliva, tears, urine, stool, and nasal secretions; infection happens when susceptible cats are come in contact with those secretions, or fleas or human may also act as a transfer source  from diseased cats. An infected cat has a tendency to shed the virus for a particularly brief period of time (1-2 days), however the virus can live up to many days in the environment, so cats  become  infected without ever getting into direct touch with an infected cat.

Clinical signs : 

1. Severe gastroenteritis.
2. Bloody diarrhea.
3. Severe dehydration.
4.  Anemia. 

Loss of appetite,vomiting,lethargy,fever,depression,loss of skin elasticity and biting of tail lower back and back leg are also seen. 

Diagnosis :

Diagnostic tool for this disease includes a CBC report .Antibody titter and virus kits are also available to test this disease . ELISA and PCR are also helpful in identifying the virus. 

• A large decrease in white blood cell count particularly neutrophils  than the lymphocytes is seen in this disease

Treatment :

1. The infected kitten has very less chances of survival but adult cats high chances of survival from this disease if proper and intensive care is given to them.As no specific treatment ( because of viral disease) is there to combat this virus supportive and fluid therapy for dehydration should be given.In anemic or hypoproteinaemic cats blood form immune donor proves to be beneficial. 
2. Broad spectrum antibiotics can also be used to fight the secondary infections.

Prevention and Control :

Prevention is much more essential in FPV than the treatment. Commercially live attenuated and killed vaccines are available to provide required immunity to combat the virus.Live modified (attenuated) vaccines must not be given to the pregnant queens as there may be chance of viral reversion in these cases killed vaccines are preferred.

• Control of this disease depends on both vaccination and good management practices, including disinfection and isolation strategies. Vitamin B must be included in the diet together with clean warm environment.

Vaccination schedule :

In kittens first vaccination is given at 6 to 8 week old age with a booster dose at 12 to 14 week of age with annual boosters.Adult vaccination depends on health,age and outbreaks of this infection. 
Feline panleukopenia virus is also called Feline parvovirus enteritis , Feline distemper and Feline parvovirus.