Cat owners warned of deadly virus outbreak
The virus is highly contagious and remains in the environment for months.
All cat owners are urged to vaccinate their cats against a deadly strain of pan leukopenia which is currently sweeping through South Africa.
That’s the warning from Niki Moore of Cats of Durban.
“The virus, to our knowledge, was first identified in Durban in a colony of feral cats in North Coast Road in late November,” she said.
“At first it was thought to only affect young kittens, or stray and feral cats. However, it has now jumped to domestic cats, and poses a threat to felines everywhere.”
The virus incubates for 10 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, and that no-one could have foreseen this.
Particularly hard-hit have been kitten fosters and rescuers, who have been overwhelmed by its impact.
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,” said Nikki.
The ordinary three-in-one vaccination is sufficient to innoculate a cat, as long as the innoculations are up to date.
Kittens should be innoculated at eight weeks. If in any doubt, consult a vet.
