An acute viral infection of cats, also called feline viral enteritis and (erroneously) feline distemper. The virus infects all members of the cat family (Felidae) as well as some mink, ferrets, and skunks (Mustelidae); raccoons and coatimundi (Procyonidae); and the binturong (Viverridae). Panleukopenia is the most important infectious disease of cats. This disease occurs worldwide, and nearly all cats are exposed by their first year because the virus is stable and ubiquitous; the disease is rarely seen in older cats. Without treatment, this disease is often fatal.
Feline panleukopenia virus is classified as a parvovirus, and is one of the smallest known viruses. It is antigenically identical to the mink enteritis virus, and only minor antigenic differences exist between feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. It is believed that canine parvovirus originated as a mutation from feline panleukopenia virus.
The disease is severe and life threatening in 20–50% of cases. The cat is depressed and may refuse food or water; vomiting and diarrhea are common, resulting in severe dehydration. The cat may have a fever or a subnormal temperature. A low white blood cell count confirms the diagnosis as panleukopenia. Diagnosis can be made by autopsy and evidence of the destruction of the intestinal crypts and villus shortening.
Highly effective and safe vaccines are available for the prevention of panleukopenia. Premises contaminated by feline panleukopenia virus are extremely difficult to disinfect; chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, or a certain quaternary ammonium disinfectant will destroy the virus. A cat should be successfully immunized before being introduced to premises where a pan-leukopenia-infected cat previously lived. See also Animal virus.
