CATS of Durban has issued a warning after seeing an increase in the number of cat deaths from Panleukopenia.
Niki Moore, Cats of Durban organiser, said a stray cat that was sterilised two months ago died of Pan a few days ago.
“This is a highly contagious disease (a kind of accelerated AIDS) and any cat that dies of Pan needs to be incinerated, not buried, as the virus lives in the soil for around six months.
Unfortunately, there is no cure and the disease kills quickly.”
Moore said the first visible symptom is when a cat is crouched in an uncomfortable-looking position and seems dazed.
“A stray or feral will not run away. During the final stages, the cat will lie next to a water bowl, seeming to hang over it but unable to drink.
“There will possibly be foam or saliva dripping from its mouth. If you handle such a cat, make sure that you clean and disinfect yourself thoroughly afterwards with a strong solution of F10. Wash clothes and the cat’s bedding in hot water and wipe down surfaces with bleach,” explained Moore.
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She said in 2017 there was a terrible outbreak and the organisation was accused of not taking the epidemic seriously.
“That was because it had never been quite so deadly or virulent before. We will not make that mistake again,” said Moore.
Pan is an extremely common disease and is usually not fatal to adult or innoculated cats.
However, Moore said this latest strain is vicious and kills quickly and indiscriminately, even cats that do not appear to be at risk.
“If feeders of colonies start finding their cats disappearing, or they find dead cats with foam around their mouths, it is likely they have died of Pan. There is nothing you can do except keep your own cats safe.”
Pet owners are urged to get their cat innoculations up to date.
Trappers should wash their traps and covers with bleach. They are also urged to get a spray bottle with a strong F10 solution and to spray themselves while working with cats.
Moore said this might sound extreme, but better be safe than sorry.
“The losses we suffered during that last outbreak were too awful to bear repeating.”
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