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Feline parvovirus infections are increasing in Kolkata’s domesticated cats

With no specific treatment available, Feline parvovirus infection is one of the major disease threats to treat for any vet.

A deadly Feline parvovirus is raging amongst the city cats, mostly affecting lively domesticated cats.

According to city-based pet owners and vets, several cats have shown symptoms like loss of appetite, severe lethargy and weakness. In some cases, the symptoms have worsened to vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. Due to poor veterinary structure facilitating poor diagnosis, by the time the disease is discovered, many affected animals go into shock from dehydration and sepsis, resulting in sudden death.

What is Feline parvovirus?

The disease known as feline infectious enteritis (FIE) is caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). The virus is also called as feline panleukopenia virus as the cats develop a low white blood cell count due to the infection.

Feline parvovirus infection is one of the major disease threats to any vet doctor. It carries a very high mortality rate, especially in unvaccinated kittens.

It was the first virus-infected disease among cats. And parvoviruses are particularly dangerous as they can survive up to several years and are resistant to many disinfectants.

Indian pet parents are still reluctant and unaware of the need for vaccinations in kittens and cats. To arrest the spread, the cats should be vaccinated with the CRP vaccine, which acts as a shield against diseases like calicivirus, rhinotracheitis virus and panleukopenia virus.

Source and spread of Feline parvovirus

The feline parvovirus can spread by direct methods (faecal-oral contact) and indirect methods (contamination of the environment or objects like food, grooming equipment, bedding, floors). Infected cats can continue to excrete the virus for around six weeks following the infection. The virus can be transmitted by dogs too.

The virus causes severe gastroenteritis, followed by five to nine days of incubation in kittens aged over three or four weeks and adult cats. They develop acute onset haemorrhagic vomiting and diarrhoea. The parvovirus damages the lining of the intestine severely. It also travels to the bone marrow and lymph glands via the blood. Viral replication at these sites leads to a loss of white blood cells. Infected cats usually have a fever and won’t eat.

No specific treatment is available for the infection. It is vital to treat and nurse the suspected cases in isolation as FPV infection is highly contagious.

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Sayantika Bhowal

Sayantika Bhowal is a news connoisseur who is particularly interested in politics and human interest stories. She holds More »
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