Several cases of feline plague have recently been discovered in Sweden, and veterinarians are now warning of the serious consequences of the disease. Feline distemper, or Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is a highly contagious virus that can lead to sudden death in unprotected cats.
In Kävlinge, Scania, three cats have recently died as a result of the virus, reports P4 Malmö house. Veterinary Eva Hegelwho works in the area, emphasizes the importance of taking the disease very seriously.
– This is a disease that, thank God, we don’t see very often, but which is out there a little everywhere and for which you have to have a lot of respect, because it often ends fatally when unprotected cats are affected, she says to the radio channel.
READ MORE: Then the authority must take over your pet – immediately
Rapid and fatal course of the disease
Cat plague often hits unprotected cats hard and leads to serious symptoms such as severe diarrhea and fever. In kittens, the course of the disease can be particularly rapid and fatal.
– It is a virus that causes stomach ache, ie diarrhoea, terribly strong diarrhoea. Kittens often die immediately, they don’t even have time to get diarrhea, it happens so quickly, Eva Hegel tells the radio channel.
The rapid spread of infection occurs mainly through faeces and the virus can survive in the environment for up to a year, which means that the risk of spreading is high. The State Veterinary Institute (SVA) confirms that outbreaks of cat plague occur in Sweden and that it can lead to both isolated cases of the disease and larger outbreaks.
DON’T MISS: Cats are killed – owners want to go on holiday: “Heartless”
Vaccination – effective protection
Feline distemper is not only fatal, but the course of the disease can also vary greatly. Some cats die within hours, while others – especially adult and vaccinated cats – may not get sick at all. In cases where the course of the disease is slower, there may be symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and fatigue.
Although the disease is extremely dangerous, there is a very effective protection in the form of vaccination. Eva Hegel and other veterinarians therefore urge all cat owners to ensure that their cats are vaccinated.
– There are very, very good vaccines, and that is what all cats should get, and then they have very, very good protection, says Hegel to P4 Malmöhus.
The SVA also emphasizes the importance of vaccination, and points out that correctly vaccinated cats are well protected against the parvovirus under normal circumstances.
READ MORE:
The municipality bans cats – cat lovers rage
900,000 cats are illegal – owners face fines