i am probably plagerizing this but i think i its too

[davet]

important to ignore::


Four shelters in three states have confirmed outbreaks of Panleukopenia. The shelters are in Northern Virginia, Southern Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey. The outbreak in Southern Virginia is so severe, it necessitated closing the shelter.

In all cases, the afflicted animals are kittens under the age of 3 months. In all cases, healthy kittens broke with severe, often liquified, diarrhea and died within 6 hours. In many cases, the diarrhea included large amounts of frank blood.

I can not emphasize enough the seriousness of these outbreaks. Panleukopenia
-- also called Feline Distemper, though unrelated to Canine Distemper -- is HIGHLY contagious and can be catastrophic in a shelter situation. Mortality rates are very high, generally close to 75%. Diagnosis is generally based on a CBC (low white blood cells with no immature forms) and a Fecal ELISA (antigen ELISA designed to detect Parvo in dogs -- only positive when the cat is shedding FPV at the time of the
test) or PCR. Treatment is primarily limited to supportive care -- including IV fluids, IV antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, and in some cases drugs like neupogen to stimulate WBC production.

In at least one case, an afflicted kitten also tested positive for Giardia AND cryptosporidium. Crypto -- a very nasty protozoa -- can affect humans (zoonotic disease). In healthy individuals, the immune system will respond to the infection and symptoms will resolve within two weeks (severe diarrhea). In sick and/or immunosuppressed individuals, crypto can be fatal.

Disinfection with bleach (1/32) is key to controlling Panleuk both before and during an outbreak. Although bleach must remain on the nonporous surface at least 15, preferably 30 minutes to be effective. Vaccination in conjunction with other control measures is also integral. However, in a shelter situation, Panleuk vaccination (included in the
FVRCP) will NOT prevent panleuk or end an outbreak.

For those fostering kittens:
Symptoms which include diarrhea, straining during and after bowel movement, lethargy, and reluctance to eat or drink, should be taken VERY seriously. As mentioned, animals can deteriorate, and die, in a matter of hours Confirm vaccinations in kittens over the age of 6 weeks

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks for the heads up davet...even though I am not in those areas it is good information to have...especially since I foster kittens.

I won't tell anyone about the plagerizing