Feline panleukopenia

Abstract

Panleukopenia is a highly contagious, sometimes fatal, viral disease of cats that is seen worldwide. Kittens are affected most severely. The causative parvovirus is very resistant; it can persist for months in the environment unless potent disinfectants are used to inactivate it. Panleukopenia is now seen infrequently by veterinarians, presumably as a consequence of the widespread vaccine use. However, infection rates remain high in unvaccinated cat populations, and the disease occasionally is seen in vaccinated, pedigreed kittens that have been exposed to a high virus challenge.