– It is parvovirus that we have been able to detect here at the clinic, both by rapid test but also by external PCR test. That’s according to veterinarian Camilla Lilleholt at Agder Veterinary Clinic in Arendal. Parvovirus infection in cats is also called feline distemper. It is a highly contagious disease. – For cat owners, this means that they now have to be extra aware that the cat is vaccinated. It is the only good treatment, says the vet. Camilla Lilleholt is a veterinarian at Agder Veterinary Clinic in Arendal. She asks cat owners to check that the cat is vaccinated. Photo: Pål Tegnander / news The virus is detected from time to time. Lilleholt thinks it is slightly underdiagnosed. – It is often the cats that belong to the wild cat population that are most likely to get sick and infected, and they are not registered with a vet, says Lilleholt. Feline plague is not contagious to humans. Keeping the cats inside At a cat shelter in Arendal, several four-legged animals roam around. Ingvild Epletveit, who looks after the cats, is worried. – It is scary. There will soon be contact with cats in the neighborhood if I let them out. At the cat home, they have now vaccinated all the cats, but keep them inside more than they usually do. – I keep them inside when it gets dark. That’s when they come together. Ingvild Epletveit says that they keep the cats inside more now. Photo: Pål Tegnander / news Must be reported Symptoms of feline plague are fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease is notifiable and must be reported to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. – It is important that veterinarians who detect the disease report it to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. We want to have an overview of the situation, and prevent an outbreak from getting out of control, says Bente Fjermestad-Eie, senior adviser in the section for animal health. Senior advisor in the animal health section of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority Bente Fjermestad-Eie. Photo: The Norwegian Food Safety Authority She says that cat owners who are concerned that their cat may be infected should contact a veterinarian. – If your cat is vaccinated, it is well protected against serious illness. The need for revaccination will depend on how much infection the cat can be exposed to. Cats that go out a lot and meet other cats, are at exhibitions or cat boarding facilities may need annual revaccination. Most people vaccinate their cat when it is young, in connection with ID marking or castration. Parvovirus The virus is very dangerous for young and unvaccinated dogs. It is thought that it may originate from feline parvovirus (feline distemper) and other related parvoviruses from wild animals. The virus is excreted in the faeces during the course of the disease up to 10 days after the dog has been declared healthy. The virus is transmitted through direct contact via the nose and mouth. Symptoms are weakness and fever with vomiting and/or bloody diarrhoea. The virus is not contagious to humans. (Source: Skien Veterinary Clinic)
ttn-69
Cat plague detected in Sørlandet – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
