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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Jul 1;11(7):538–546. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.002

Feline Panleukopenia: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management

Uwe Truyen 1, Diane Addie 2, Sándor Belák 3, Corine Boucraut-Baralon 4, Herman Egberink 5, Tadeusz Frymus 6, Tim Gruffydd-Jones 7, Katrin Hartmann 8, Margaret J Hosie 9, Albert Lloret 10, Hans Lutz 11, Fulvio Marsilio 12, Maria Grazia Pennisi 13, Alan D Radford 14, Etienne Thiry 15, Marian C Horzinek 16
PMCID: PMC7129762  PMID: 19481033

Abstract

Overview Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infects all felids as well as raccoons, mink and foxes. This pathogen may survive in the environment for several months and is highly resistant to some disinfectants.

Infection Transmission occurs via the faecal-oral route. Indirect contact is the most common route of infection, and FPV may be carried by fomites (shoes, clothing), which means indoor cats are also at risk. Intrauterine virus transmission and infection of neonates can occur.

Disease signs Cats of all ages may be affected by FPV, but kittens are most susceptible. Mortality rates are high - over 90% in kittens. Signs of disease include diarrhoea, lymphopenia and neutropenia, followed by thrombocytopenia and anaemia, immunosuppression (transient in adult cats), cerebellar ataxia (in kittens only) and abortion.

Diagnosis Feline panleukopenia virus antigen is detected in faeces using commercially available test kits. Specialised laboratories carry out PCR testing on whole blood or faeces. Serological tests are not recommended, as they do not distinguish between infection and vaccination.

Disease management Supportive therapy and good nursing significantly decrease mortality rates. In cases of enteritis, parenteral administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic is recommended. Disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), peracetic acid, formaldehyde or sodium hydroxide are effective.

Contributor Information

Uwe Truyen,    truyen@vmf.uni-leipzig.de.

Diane Addie,  .

Sándor Belák,  .

Corine Boucraut-Baralon,  .

Herman Egberink,  .

Tadeusz Frymus,  .

Tim Gruffydd-Jones,  .

Katrin Hartmann,  .

Margaret J Hosie,  .

Albert Lloret,  .

Hans Lutz,  .

Fulvio Marsilio,  .

Maria Grazia Pennisi,  .

Alan D Radford,  .

Etienne Thiry,  .

Marian C Horzinek,  .

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