The Brighton Police Department is warning residents to keep their cats indoors after numerous felines have been found sick, dying or dead in the Brighton East Farms neighborhood.
Kylynn McTague, Brighton Police Department Public Information and Engagement Manager, said a definitive cause was not determined, but the Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV) was identified among the sick cats.
FPV, also called feline parvo or feline distemper, is highly contagious and especially deadly to kittens. It is spread via contact with infected feces and fleas and can survive for more than year on the ground. Several vaccines for the virus do exist, so feral cats and cats living among many other cats are most likely to be infected.
Dr. Talor Lingus at Bridge Street Veterinarian Clinic in Brighton said the symptoms to watch your cat for are lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration.
“The FP virus damages the cells that line the intestines and attacks bone marrow lymph nodes, resulting in shortages of all white blood cells, panleukopenia, red blood cells, and anemia. Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral cat disease caused by feline parvovirus,” Lingus said.
Lingus said kittens are the most severely affected by the virus. While cats of any age can be infected, young kittens, sick cats, and unvaccinated cats are the most affected.
“It is most commonly seen in cats 3-5 months of age, and death from FPV is more common at this age. This virus does not infect humans and is different from canine distemper parvovirus. This virus spreads from urine, stool, and nasal secretions from infected cats to susceptible cats and fomites,” Lingus said.
Over the last several days, the Animal Welfare Officers have warned residents who own or care for cats to keep their cats from roaming outside.
“Additionally, residents who care for stray cats are asked to remove any shared bedding, litter boxes, or food sources to avoid cross-contamination. We will update the community if a definitive cause for the illness can be determined,” McTague said.
Lingus said that all kittens are recommended to receive Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia FCVRP vaccinations. Adult cats receive a booster every three years depending on vaccines given in the past.
“FCVRP vaccine protects felines, and we also recommend Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccination. Pet owners should ensure their pet cats are updated on vaccinations and that new introductions are fully vaccinated and quarantined before introducing them to their cats,” Lingus said.