Rise of Feline Panleukopenia shows up in Southeast Idaho and Western Wyoming

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Veterinarians and animal shelter officials in Idaho Falls and Alpine are warning cat owners about a rise in cases of a highly contagious feline virus in recent weeks.

Both Alpine Animal Hospital and the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter have both reported seeing an uptick in feline panleukopenia infections across the area on Facebook.

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or parvo, is a viral infection that attacks rapidly dividing cells in a cat's body, particularly within the bone marrow and digestive system. The virus severely suppresses an animal's white blood cell count.

According to Dr. Mark Bramwell, a Veterinarian at Bramwell Animal Hospital, says the virus is shared through any bodily secretions. That includes saliva, vomit most commonly through stool.

"It seems like when we're seeing outbreaks, they seem to be in pockets. And so there may have been a pocket where there happened to be an infected animal that happened to get a whole bunch of these kittens sick," Dr. Bramwell said.

Veterinarians emphasize that vaccination offers the best protection against feline panleukopenia and owners should verify whether their pets are up to date on their shots.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, or refusing food. Seek medical treatment immediately if a cat displays those symptoms.

“There's no direct cure,” Dr. Bramwell said. “It's trying to keep the kitten alive. While it's immune system is trying to recover and fight the virus off on its own. Because the cat's immune system is squashed by the virus, it's very difficult for it to do that. They can get dehydrated. They can get secondary bacterial infections.”