Important update on Feline Panleukopaenia Virus (FPV)

Important update on Feline Panleukopaenia Virus (FPV) (also known as feline parvovirus or feline enteritis)

As confirmed by the University of Sydney, there is an outbreak of FPV in Sydney that has already killed dozens of cats and kittens, and has led to the temporary suspension of cat admissions and adoptions at Blacktown Pound.

What is FPV?

FPV is a largely fatal viral infection that has rarely been seen over the past 40 years thanks to effective vaccination – the standard F3 vaccination covers FPV. However, kittens are at high risk until their vaccination schedule is complete. Adult cats require boosters.

If you own a cat, please make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you are a pensioner or on a low-income, please phone our welfare office on 02 9519 7201 for a referral to a vet who will offer discounted vaccination.

Signs and symptoms

Loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea (often with blood present) and general depression can all be signs of FPV. Young kittens and unvaccinated cats are most at risk. If you have any concerns about your cat, see your vet as soon as possible.

 Cat Protection

At Cat Protection, all cats and kittens over 4 weeks are vaccinated on admission with a live F3 vaccine, and continue to receive vaccinations according the schedule while they are in our care.

We also faecal test every kitten on admission and of course, all cats and kittens are health checked by a vet. We have stringent infection controls in place.

Adoptions

At Cat Protection, we have been closely monitoring the health and progress of the kittens in our care and are very excited to announce we are resuming kitten adoptions.

As a precaution we are asking anyone who has a cat or cats at home to bring along a copy of their cat’s current vaccination certificate. This new measure is to highlight the importance of vaccination for all cats and kittens and safeguard against the spread of FPV.

We have many beautiful adult cats and kittens in our adoption centre who would love to find their forever homes. We also have kittens available at Concord Veterinary Hospital and Divine Creatures.

Research

Sadly, we have had four fatal cases of FPV (representing only about 2% of our feline population in January-February) over the past week and none prior to that. All four were kittens and had only had initial vaccinations or were too sick to even be vaccinated on entry. All were provided with dedicated and compassionate veterinary care, and we thank everyone who did everything possible for them.

We are working with our vets and the University of Sydney’s Professor Vanessa Barrs to ensure that, through research, these cats will help cats of the future.