Deadly cat virus spreads across SA
The virus has not hit the Ballito area yet with only a few isolated cases treated.
All cat owners are urged to vaccinate their cats against a deadly strain of Pan Leukopenia that is currently sweeping through South Africa.
“The virus, to our knowledge, was first identified in Durban in a colony of feral cats in North Coast Road in late November,” said Niki Moore who set up Cats of Durban to improve the lives of wild, stray and feral cats with sterilisation being a top priority.
“At first it was thought only to affect young kittens, or stray and feral cats.
“However, the virus has now spread to domestic cats, and poses a threat to felines everywhere.”
The virus incubates for ten to 14 days, sometimes without any visible symptoms.
After the third day, symptoms that may become apparent include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and eventually coma and collapse.
The virus is highly contagious and remains in the environment for months.
Vets who have treated these cats have commented that they have not seen an outbreak like this in years, and that no-one could have foreseen this.
“We were all taken by surprise at the virulence and viciousness of this virus,” said Moore.
“Particularly hard-hit have been kitten fosters and rescuers, who have been overwhelmed by this virus.”
The virus is extremely widespread in the environment, and is not usually deadly. However, this new outbreak has been extraordinary in its speed and viciousness.
While the virus has not yet spread to Ballito there have been a few isolated cases, reported Dr Kevin Stevens from Ballito Veterinary Hospital.
“There has been the odd case but we have not been hit badly at all,” said Dr Stevens.
Dr Hugh Rivett-Carnac at Salt Rock Veterinary Clinic said he had not diagnosed the virus in any local cat yet.
The Feline Feral Fund Ballito‘s Sharon Cossey confirmed that they have had no cases so far.
Cossey said cat owners must not feel unduly alarmed, but to be safe, make sure cats’ and kittens’ innoculations are up to date.
Moore said kittens should be innoculated at eight weeks.
“The ordinary three-in-one vaccination is sufficient to innoculate a cat.
“If in any doubt, consult a vet,” said Moore.
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