Volusia County, FL- An unusual spike in the Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) has been confirmed at the Halifax Humane Society over the past two weeks. Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jennifer Green said cats testing positive for FPV are being brought in from different areas so there's no way to narrow down where the virus is coming from.
Green said that many times there are no outward signs of FPV in the stray cats that are brought in. They only find out when the cat suddenly dies.
The most important thing to do for your own cat is to make sure they are vaccinated for FPV. Green said it is a core vaccine recommended for all cats. She also said if you have an indoor-outdoor cat that has not been vaccinated yet keep them indoors until they are vaccinated.
Unfortunately, Green says that FPV is very contagious. The virus is hard to kill and can be spread by people by their shoes, clothing, etc. and can stay alive for years in the right environment.
Green also said that Halifax Humane Society staff have been carefully evaluating the
vaccination and medical history of every cat in their care, and remain confident all cats currently going out for adoption are protected against FPV.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.
