Cambria County Humane Society identifies virus in cat population

The viral outbreak within the Cambria County Humane Society’s cat population has been identified as feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or feline parvo.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The feline parvovirus infects and kills cells that are rapidly growing and dividing, such as those in the bone marrow, intestines and the developing fetus. It does not infect people.

The virus has been detected within a group of cats from an abandonment case within the City of Johnstown only, according to the Richland Township shelter. From this population, eight cats have died and four remain under treatment in isolation. Because FP lives within the environment, essentially all cats and kittens are exposed to the virus at some point of their lives. The virus has been most commonly found within animal kennel and shelter environments, unvaccinated feral cat colonies or other areas where groups of cats are housed together.

The best way to prevent feline panleukopenia is to vaccinate your cat. Once a cat is diagnosed with FP, there are no medications capable of killing the virus. Intensive care and treatment of medications and fluids are critical to support the infected cat’s health until, ultimately, the cat’s body and immune system is capable of fighting off the virus. This improves, but does not guarantee, the cat’s chances of survival.

Upon veterinary advice, the Humane Society has temporarily closed its cat room to the public to prevent further spread of the virus. All cat adoptions and intakes have ceased for at least a two-week quarantine period, which began Sunday. During this time, the dog room will remain open, and dog adoptions and intakes will function as normal.