Deadly strain sweeps through cat population
A new, vicious strain of Pan Leukopenia has hit Durban's cat population, urging Cats of Durban to appeal to cat owners to vaccinate their pets as a matter of urgency.
CAT owners have been urged to vaccinate their cats against a deadly strain of Pan Leukopenia that is currently sweeping through South Africa.
According to Cats of Durban, the virus was first identified in Durban in a colony of feral cats in North Coast Road in late November. The organisation said it was first thought only to affect young kittens, or stray and feral cats. However it had now jumped to domestic cats, and posed a threat to felines everywhere.
In a media release today, Cats of Durban explained that the virus incubates for ten to 14 days without any visible sign.
“After the third day, some symptoms might become apparent such as loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and eventually coma and collapse. The virus is highly contagious and remains in the environment for months.”
Vets who have treated these cats have commented that they have not seen an outbreak like this in years. Particularly hard-hit have been kitten fosters and rescuers, who have been overwhelmed by this virus. The virus is extremely widespread in the environment, and is not usually deadly. However, this new outbreak has been extraordinary in its speed and viciousness.
The ordinary three-in-one vaccination is sufficient to inoculate a cat, as long as the inoculations are up to date. Kittens should be inoculated at eight weeks. If in any doubt, consult a vet.
