Cat-Deadly Feline FPV (Distemper) Virus Detected at LB Animal Shelter; Quarrantine And Protective Measures Implemented
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(June 18, 2021) -- In the 4 p.m. hour today (June 18), the City advised LB media outlets that Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) has been detected at LB's Animal Care Services shelter. A city media advisory says "Panleukopenia is a feline virus that causes the infected animal to lose all defenses against any viruses or bacteria. In an unvaccinated population of cats, it is the deadliest disease."
The media advisory continued: "On June 12, 2021, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) discovered that a kitten who entered the shelter on June 4 had contracted Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), also known as Feline Distemper. Additional kittens were confirmed to be infected with FPV in the subsequent days. LBACS staff is implementing several measures that will protect the population of cats currently in their care."
In a June 18 memo to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager Tom Modica and Parks/Rec Dir. Brent Dennis included the Q & A (below) and additionally stated:
To contain the spread of the disease, LBACS staff are implementing several measures that will protect the population of cats currently in our care. First, we are limiting the intake of felines to only those that are sick, injured, or in need of medical attention.
No healthy cats and kittens not in need of immediate medical attention will be admitted to LBACS.
Next, LBACS shelter veterinarians have established a quarantine that will be in effect 14 days from the last date of the incident of the disease. No new admissions will be allowed to be housed in the affected room where kittens infected with FPV were identified.
Quarantine may be lifted on July 1st, provided no new cases occur. Any new cases that present during the quarantine may require
either extending this quarantine period or placing additional affected areas of the shelter on quarantine. Cats and kittens that show any signs or symptoms of illness will be tested for FPV.
LBACS has also reached out to all of our cat transfer partners to assist us in reducing the current population of approximately 175 cats and kittens at the shelter.
As is recommended whenever there is disease present and persisting in a shelter environment, we are in the process of reviewing our cleaning and care protocols to ensure staff continue to provide care in the safest, most humane manner possible, both in the shelter and in the field.
[Included in City release text to media]
What is Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)?
Panleukopenia is a feline virus that causes the infected animal to lose all defenses against any viruses or bacteria. In an unvaccinated population of cats, it is the deadliest disease. It is this reason that ACS takes care and precautions when handling cats to limit the spread of all disease as much as possible.
How is FPV spread?
FPV is spread when a cat ingests viral material that is present in bodily waste. This can happen through litter box use, food and water bowls, grooming, etc.
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Why is this disease in the shelter?
FPV is not a shelter-specific disease. This is a disease that commonly kills unvaccinated stray cats and kittens, and was likely introduced by an unowned, unvaccinated cat or kitten that was brought to the shelter. FPV vaccines are highly effective, and this disease is preventable.
How can FPV be contained?
LBACS is managing FPV with live containment: sick cats will be isolated from healthy cats, and staff will take extra steps to decrease the risk of cross-contamination, including limiting the intake of felines to only those that are sick, injured, or in need of medical attention and staff will not be using the affected room where infected kittens were identified for new admissions. LBACS has obtained additional housing areas to effectively isolate the different cat population groups. The quarantine will be overseen by a veterinarian and will be in effect for 14 days from the date of the last incident of the disease. Vaccination on intake is already the standard practice for all cats entering LBACS who are at least four weeks of age; it can provide immunity within days.
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What can members of the community do to help prevent the spread of FPV?
Vaccination - Cat owners are strongly encouraged to keep their cats up to date on their vaccines. FPV vaccines are highly effective, and this disease is preventable. FPV is prevented by vaccinating kittens with a series of three or more Panleukopenia vaccines between the ages of 2 and 4 months. The vaccine must be given again a year later, then every three years for life.
Protect kittens - Keep kittens at home, inside and away from unfamiliar cats until they have finished their complete vaccination series. Pet cats are always safest when kept indoors or when safely contained in outdoor environments.
Keep your cat away from sick cats and stray cats - Sick cats can contaminate litter boxes and the nearby environment and transfer the virus to another cat. Cat owners should not allow their cat to have direct contact with any sick cats, nor share food or water bowls or resting spaces with sick or unknown cats.
Keep pet food and water indoors, away from outdoor cats - Outdoor pet food and water can attract stray cats. Community cats, or “free roaming” cats, who have already been spayed, neutered and vaccinated are less of a threat to pet cats. Cats that have not entered a Community Cats program can be a serious risk to pet cats.
Do not bring healthy cats to animal shelters - Community members should refrain from bringing any healthy cats and kittens to any animal shelter. Allow these animals to remain in place and contact animal services to obtain assistance and vouchers to care for and have these animals spayed and neutered.
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