Feline Panleukopenia Outbreak Reported At County Services Facility And Adoption Center

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — An outbreak of feline panleukopenia has been reported at the Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center. This highly contagious viral disease infects cats, especially kittens, and kills cells such as bone marrow and intestines, and can be fatal. The disease does not affect humans, but humans can spread it to unvaccinated cats.

“We encourage cat parents to protect them early by staying on track with their feline vaccines,” said Prince George's County Department of the Environment Acting Director Adriana Caldarelli. “Vaccinations help protect our feline friends by preventing the spread of these diseases and boosting their body's defense against potentially fatal illnesses.”

Cats can become infected when in contact with other infected cats or their bedding, cages, food dishes and the hands or clothing of people who've handled the infected cats. Young, sick and unvaccinated cats are the most susceptible to the virus.

The virus was contained in the cat nursery area of the animal services facility and was discovered after a cat tested positive. To minimize the spread of the virus, the cat nursery room has been closed off and standard cleaning protocols are ongoing in those areas.

All cats will be examined upon intake and determined suitable for adoption based on the basic examination, including an upper respiratory, nasal and abnormality examination. Cat adoptions will proceed as scheduled in another designated adoption area. Dog adoptions and other pet services are not impacted at ASFAC and remain open.

Symptoms of feline panleukopenia include:

• Loss of appetite
• High Fever
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Severe Diarrhea
• Nasal Discharge
• Dehydration