Feline plague is caused by a virus called parvovirus. You will therefore hear the terms parvovirus infection and feline distemper used interchangeably for the same viral infection. Feline distemper can also be referred to as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). A vaccine against feline distemper provides good protection for your cats against this – but there will always be cats that are allowed to roam unvaccinated. This is especially true for cats that are born homeless. Feline distemper is easily transmitted, can survive for a long time in an environment – and is potentially life-threatening – especially for kittens and cats with weakened immune systems. Read more about this topic and what to do if you suspect your cat has a parvovirus infection.
Table of contents
What is feline plague and how does a cat get infected?
Cat distemper is a virus that is transmitted, among other things, through cat feces. If a cat with parvovirus in its body goes to the toilet in nature - the virus can be present in the environment for up to a year. Cat distemper is also transmitted by droplet infection from other cats or by the cat ingesting the virus via contaminated objects. Indoor cats can also be infected via clothes and shoes we have used outside the home - but this is quite rare. Although cat distemper is highly contagious and spreads easily - it is kept at bay with the help of responsible cat owners who vaccinate their furry friends.
In Norway, parvovirus is detected from time to time - but many cats without symptoms or feral cats probably roam around without being diagnosed.
Is feline distemper a notifiable disease?
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority maintains national lists of animal diseases based on how serious and contagious they are. These lists are divided into three categories:
National List 1 – Very serious diseases that require extensive control measures in the event of an outbreak. Examples include rabies, anthrax and classical swine fever.
National List 2 – Serious diseases that require systematic control. Among cats, viral hemorrhagic disease in rabbits, myxomatosis and leishmaniasis are listed – but NOT feline parvovirus.
National List 3 – Diseases that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has an overview of because they are common or rare. Cat parvovirus is also not listed here.
Conclusion: Fowl pox (feline parvovirus) is NOT a notifiable disease to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. This means that the diagnosis of parvovirus in cats does not have to be reported to the authorities. Read more about animal diseases on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's national lists.
Can the vaccine protect against cat plague?
A vaccine provides good protection against parvovirus. Although it cannot guarantee full protection, a vaccinated cat will only have mild or no symptoms if infected. The parvovirus vaccine is given in two doses when the kitten is between 8–16 weeks old – preferably in connection with ID marking or castration. The vaccine must then be repeated every three years. Read more about cat vaccination at A-Vet Smådyrklinikk.
Symptoms
When a cat is infected with the parvovirus – it will affect the cat’s immune system and reduce the number of white blood cells. As young kittens have not yet developed a good immune system – the infection can become serious quickly and potentially fatal. If your cat has any of the symptoms below – you must see a veterinarian quickly. The course of the disease can become acute in a short time and some cats can die within a few hours of the first symptoms. Adult cats usually have a strong immune system – so many cats can have mild or no symptoms even though they are infected with the parvovirus. If the cat has survived the disease – it will be immune for the rest of its life.
- High fever
- Poor general condition
- Bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Intense vomiting
- Vomit
- Lack of appetite
- Abortion in pregnant cats
When should you contact a veterinarian?
Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you think your cat is infected with parvovirus or has other symptoms of discomfort. It may be a good idea to call before going to the veterinary clinic and arrange your arrival in case the clinic has a separate entrance to avoid infection in the waiting room. Do you live in Larvik? You and your four-legged friend are more than welcome to contact us at A-Vet Small Animal Clinic – whether it concerns vaccination, consultation or treatment of feline distemper.
Diagnosis and treatment against parvovirus
To be sure that it is parvovirus that your cat is infected with – we perform a rapid stool test. We may need to take several stool samples before the parvovirus is detected on the test. We can also take a blood test and measure the number of white blood cells – but since other infectious diseases can also lead to a reduced percentage of white blood cells – it is more accurate with a stool sample. Both vomiting og diarrhea in cats can cause a lot of fluid loss, making the cat easily dehydrated. We therefore treat this first – for example with intravenous fluids – to stabilize the cat's condition. Treatment for parvovirus may also include tube feeding, blood transfusions and antibiotic treatment.
Can cat plague be transmitted to humans and other animals?
If you suspect that your cat has parvovirus – you should keep other feline friends away as it is easily transmitted from cat to cat. But you may be wondering whether parvovirus is contagious to humans or other animals? For example, there is also canine distemper, which is caused by a parvovirus. But this is a different parvovirus (canine parvovirus) – so you don't have to worry about the dog in the house getting infected. Canine distemper is also not contagious to humans.
Love animals? This spring blog You will find lots of useful information whether you already have a pet or are considering getting one.
