A cat rescue in B.C.’s Lower Mainland is sounding the alarm about an apparent increase in cases of feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. The Regional Animal Protection Society said staff recently took in a cluster of 12 cats and kittens suffering from the disease — and that anecdotally, the virus seems to be more prevalent this year than in recent years. “We really wanted the public to know that they need to get their animals vaccinated, regardless if it’s a kitten or if you have an older cat that you haven’t vaccinated yet,” said Eyal Lichtmann, CEO of the Richmond-based charity. Lichtman described feline panleukopenia as one of the most “heartbreaking” diseases a cat rescue can encounter, causing seemingly healthy kittens to rapidly deteriorate — and in some cases die. “This is a very dangerous disease,” he added. “Even in an adult cat, it requires an enormous amount of hospitalization if they do get it, and there’s no guarantee that they’re going to survive.” RAPS, which runs a large cat sanctuary, said it has been encountering the virus while trapping feral cats. Lichtman told CTV News the recent rescues infected with feline panleukopenia had fortunately been placed directly into foster care, so the virus did not spread to the animals in its sanctuary or adoption centre. In a news release, RAPS warned the virus can also “persist in the environment for up to a year unless surfaces are properly cleaned and treated” with a disinfectant. Symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea, the charity said, with the acute illness usually lasting no more than seven days. People who see a cat exhibiting those symptoms should call a veterinarian immediately, and be sure to alert staff before going to a clinic so they can undergo infection-control measures.
