Cross Breeds

Feline Panleukopenia question?

Hi everyone I have just been going over what vaccines my friend should be giving her cat, and why. and something gave me pause for thought, and I would like to hear if this is true? Is Feline Panleukopenia transferable to a indoor cat via human? I know some people believe vaccinations are not necessary, this question is not about that Is this transfer is possible, ie if you do not vaccinate your cat against it, is there a risk, and if there is, for how long? I don't know at all if this is possible, I thought it wasn't, help me please? Anyone who knows?

Public Comments

1. There is a risk of this. "The feline panleuk virus (FVP) is extremely hardy and may survive for months, and even years. It is easily transmitted through contact, either cat-to-cat, or by human-to-cat : Shared food and water bowls, litter pans, bedding Mutual grooming Fleas, during the active stage In utero, from an infected queen Human handling can transfer the FVP virus from one cat to another, by contact through hands, clothing, and shoes." It's a vital vaccination, for that reason, you don't want to be bringing the disease to her cat, nor should anyone else, it's a risk nobody should take.
2. Here is the recommended vaccine protocol for felines, as published by the Cat Fancier's Association: http://www.cfa.org/articles/health/vaccination-guidelines.html Panleukopenia is a very serious disease which is easily preventable through vaccination. I am not aware of felines being infected through human contact. This said there are a few diseases which are transmittable to humans by cats. http://www.messybeast.com/zoonoses.htm#viruses Recently, in Oregon, a cat was infected through contact with humans infected with the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu). While not confirmed, veterinarians and physicians are researching this possibility at this time. The cat showed all the symptoms of the disease shortly after the family became ill with a confirmed case of H1N1. There is a lot of controversy about revaccinating cats frequently. It is suggested that cats are given boosters to prevent Panleukopenia one year after the initial vaccine and then every three years. We do not vaccinate our cats anymore. They are nine years old, and since they carry the Herpes virus their immune system has been damaged. They were infected as kittens.They remain healthy as long as they are not stressed, when they can possible "flare". In all the literature I have researched, I have not found any data about Panleuk being passed to a cat through human contact.Some Fungal infections can be passed along to cats by human contact, and humans can carry fleas on their clothing which of course will be transmitted to a cat. It is suggested that cat owners follow the vaccine protocol and discuss this subject with a hopefully well informed veterinarian, as far as the necessity of vaccinations. I hope this helps. I found it fascinating that a feline was infected, more than likely with the H1N1 virus. The cat is doing well, and has recovered, thankfully. Troublesniffer Owned by cats for over 40 years
3. The virus that causes Panleukopenia is a parvo virus. It can live in the environment for a year, and very little will kill it, especially in a home environment. It is so contagious, and so hard to kill, that shelters with distemper outbreaks often resort to euthanizing every cat in the shelter and bleaching everything floor to ceiling. It can be transmitted from cat to cat through sneezing, or from sharing litter boxes, and yes - even from people's hand or clothing. It's about the worst thing that can happen at a shelter. Panleuk is generally fatal in kittens, and will kill about half of the adults infected with it. It's easily prevented with the FVRCP shot, which is more of a shame considering that this vaccine is fairly harmless, and the diseases it prevents are serious if not fatal. Here is a snippet of an article from Sheltering Magazine that explains the various ways that it can be spread. It's not a myth or fearmongering that says it can be spread from human to unvaccinated cat: "That kitten who appears healthy could be shedding the virus onto his litter box, his food bowl, his cage, his towel, his toys. And, depending on the policies and setup of the shelter he's in, adopters, volunteers, and staff could potentially be spreading that virus from cage to cage with their hands, scrub brushes, and clothing. "You can't breathe it in by standing next to a cat," says Sayler, "but it lasts on what we call 'fomites,' which is just any surface—a bowl that didn't get washed well, [cage bars] if a cat sneezed on the bars and a little bit of virus got stuck down between the bars and didn't get sprayed off. ...You can find it on surfaces up to a year after the cat [vomited] or had diarrhea." These "fomites" are like free rides for viruses, giving bad bugs a taxicab from cage to cage, hand to paw, food bowl to kitty tongue. Anything from the thumb on your hand to the button on your coat to the plastic toy in a cage can be a fomite. And while many viruses and bacteria will succumb to ordinary disinfectants, a bug like panleukopenia is often able to evade even the virucidal solutions, clinging stubbornly to surfaces unless subjected to bleach and a strong and unforgiving scrub of military precision." Shelters take this disease very seriously, and so should your friend.
4. Yes and it is highly contagious. I have all my indoor cats vaccinated for it because I work with with strays and volunteer at the shelter. It's not worth taking the chance and the vaccine only costs $10 at the shot clinics.
5. Huh?????????????