MOILIILI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Feline panleukopenia cases are on the rise in Hawaii — it is a highly contagious and even fatal disease if it is left untreated.
The Hawaiian Humane Society said there has been a recent influx of cats with panleukopenia coming into their shelters. The virus is closely related to the more commonly known disease in dogs, parvovirus.
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“Absolutely devastating. What we see most often with puppies and kittens that are suffering from these diseases is that they will ultimately die because of dehydration or because of the symptoms,” said HHS communications manager Brandy Shimabukuro. “Once they’re sick, we have to quarantine entire holding areas to keep all of our cats safe, and that impacts our ability to take in new cats and help and support the community the way that we should be.”
The virus is mainly spread through contaminated fecal matter. There are vaccinations for house cats, and experts said even indoor pets should get innoculated…