PWC Animal Shelter officials issue FPV advisory for cats

The Prince William County Animal Shelter has received laboratory results that enable animal officials to conclude that a stray cat taken in by the Shelter was the source of Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) being introduced at the facility, according to a police department news release.

Based on this information we know the virus is active in the community’s cat population. FPV infects cats as well as ferrets, raccoons, mink and foxes. Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, feces, as well as by fleas. It can be spread through contact with bedding, food dishes, as well as the hands, clothing and shoes of people who have handled infected animals. This should be of particular concern to those cat owners who allow their cats to roam freely outside the home, those who leave food outside for community cats, and those who monitor cat colonies.

FPV is not contagious or contractable by humans but is highly contagious among cats and once contracted can be fatal to the affected cat.

Signs include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, lethargy and fever, and death. It can range from mild diarrhea to fatal disease. Diarrhea in an otherwise bright, alert, eating, drinking kitten is more likely due to diet change, stress, parasites, or dietary indiscretion.

All cats, including indoor cats, should be vaccinated. Please contact your veterinarian if your cats are displaying the signs of possible FPV.