Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Janet Costidell — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:42:04 GMT

I spoke to Martha Cannon today, of the Oxford cat clinic. She is of the opinion that 7 days after the second vaccine the new cat should be well covered against pan leukopenia. She said as a precaution to disinfect all litter trays and feeding utensils, which is fine, I will throw them away and get new ones. She also said a bleach solution is quite effective, and anything I can bleach, I should. I may also get some Trigene or Virkon and spray the one piece of carpet we have in the house (the stairs). She said if we do that, we have done all that can be done, and should be covered. I do hope so!

Thanks for all the help everyone, does anyone know if I CAN actually spray my carpet with antiviral disinfectant?

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Doolally — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:59:38 GMT

I put a link on another thread to this wsava.org/VGG1.htm which is the vaccine guidelines for 2010 (sorry I know I keep going on about this, but had to look at it in detail for an essay for my behaviour diploma). But anyway, it recommends, to be full covered a puppy/kitten should ideally have an initial course of 3 vaccinations of the core vaccines (which includes panleukopenia for cats), with the final vaccination being at 16weeks or older. This is due to the possibility of maternally derived antibodies for sticking around for that long (which is why some pups with an early vaccine finish still get parvo). So, although fully vaccinated,I guess this new kitten has just had the 2 initial vaccines, probably 9 and 12weeks like most kitties. So, to be doubly tripley sure the kitty is fully vaccinated and has taken on the vaccination properly, I'd want a 3rd vaccine now (16weeks) and then wait 2 weeks before introducing him to the home.

Still talk to the cat clinic about introducing a vaccinated cat into the home, but in this instance i wouldn't consider a cat being fully vaccinated unless it has had a vaccine at 16weeks or older

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Tracey Louise — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:15:10 GMT

So sorry to hear about your cats, i can understand that you must be devastated.

Were your cats unvaccinated?

I agree, a good clean around (trigene would be great) and spray with flea killer should sort out the house.

Im sure a vaccinated cat would be fine to come into your house. I would just double check that you have paperwork to confirm the vaccines given.

But.....................................

We have had quite a few vaccinated dogs with parvovirus recently, not all puppies either, so it is still sometimes to catch a disease even if they are vaccinated. It very complicated why this happens, but it is also very rare.

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Janet Costidell — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:10:02 GMT

Thank you, I will, I can wait, I'm not rushing into anything!

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

Carol Cottrell — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:45:55 GMT

Hi there!

If you can wait until tomorrow, it would be worth seeing if you can speak to Martha Cannon at the Oxford cat clinic. Sure she'd be only to willing to advise.

Best of luck

Carol x

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

SharonSP — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:26:57 GMT

Saw this too, this may help

"FPV exposure and infection can occur in several ways. The major route of transmission is direct contact between a susceptible host and an infected animal or its secretions. The virus is shed in all body secretions of infected animals for up to six weeks. Once introduced into the environment, the virus is very hardy and can persist for years. Treatment of fomites (inantimate objects) and other contaminated materials for ten minutes with bleach, 4% formaldehyde or 1% gluteraldehyde is necessary to inactivate the virus. Fomites, including contaminated instruments, cages and bedding, are also an important route of viral exposure. Mechanical transmission of FPV via arthropod vectors is probable as well."

http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/clerk/mcninch/index.php

Re: Introducing new cats post panleukopenia outbreak

sarahjune84 — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:45:52 GMT

i found this after googling panleukopenia:

Panleukopenia is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cats, kittens, raccoons, and mink. The panleukopenia virus tends to invade cells which are rapidly growing such as those of the digestive system, bone marrow (which makes blood cells), lymph tissue, and developing nervous system. This explains the common symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, and seizures. A vaccine is available to protect against the disease.

What are the characteristics of the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)?

Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is caused by a virus very similar to the one that causesparvovirus disease in dogs. It is very stable in the environment and can survive years at room temperature. It survives well in lower temperatures as well, and is not killed by many of the common disinfectants. Contact with a bleach solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water for 10 minutes will inactivate the virus.

How common is panleukopenia?

The feline panleukopenia virus is widespread in nature, so virtually all cats are exposed to it within their first year of life.

How is the panleukopenia virus transmitted?

FPV is most commonly transmitted when a susceptible cat has contact with the feces or urine of infected cats. Infected cats shed the virus in their feces and urine up to 6 weeks after they recover. FPV can also be spread by contact with urine- or feces-contaminated items such as food bowls, water dishes, clothing, shoes, hands, bedding, and litter boxes.

The panleukopenia virus is also transmitted from the mother to the developing kittens within her uterus. It can also be spread by fleas.

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if thats true I would think getting new litter trays and cleaning really well around where your previous cats toileted and using a flea killing house spray. A new fully vaccinated would be fine, surely?

hope thats abit useful