Feline infectious enteritis (FIE) is a disease caused by infection with feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as feline panleukopenia virus. It is sometimes referred to as panleukopenia virus because one result of infection is a very low white-blood-cell count (which is what “panleukopenia” means).
Feline parvovirus infection is probably the greatest disease threat to any rescue facility, and infection carries a very high mortality rate, particularly in unvaccinated kittens. This was the first disease of cats shown to be caused by a virus, and parvoviruses are particularly dangerous as they can survive for long periods (up to several years) in the environment and are resistant to many disinfectants.
Source and spread of infection
Feline parvovirus is spread by direct faecal-oral contact, and indirectly following contamination of the environment or objects (for example food dishes, grooming equipment, bedding, floors, clothing or hands). Cats infected with FPV can continue to excrete the virus for at least six weeks following infection, and the virus can also be transmitted by dogs.
Clinical disease
In kittens over three or four weeks of age and in adult cats, the virus causes a very severe gastroenteritis after an incubation period of five to nine days. Affected cats develop acute-onset haemorrhagic vomiting and diarrhoea, and some cats die rapidly. The virus causes severe damage to the lining of the intestine and also travels via the blood to the bone marrow and lymph glands, leading to a marked depletion of white blood cells. Infected cats usually have a fever, are obviously depressed and will not eat. Some may die before even showing signs of gastroenteritis.
In pregnant queens, the virus can spread to the unborn kittens, where it can interfere with the developing brain. Kittens may then be born with a condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia (lack of development of the cerebellum, the part of the brain needed for fine coordination of movement). They may initially seem fine, but as they start to move and walk it becomes obvious that they are highly uncoordinated.
Treatment
No specific treatment is available for FPV infection, and it is vital that any suspected cases are nursed in isolation as this is a highly contagious disease. Protective clothing must be worn and hands washed thoroughly after handling any suspected cat or kitten. Where possible, one or two people who do not handle any other cats should be assigned as nurses.
Affected cats often die from dehydration and massive secondary infection, so aggressive support with intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial — but even with this, a high proportion may die. Anti-emetic drugs may help stop vomiting, and feeding small meals as soon as the vomiting has resolved is important. Good veterinary and nursing care is vital to help cats, especially young kittens, recover.
Control
Feline parvovirus is much better prevented than treated. Highly effective vaccines are available and all cats and kittens should be vaccinated (including indoor-only cats). Modified live vaccines should not be used in pregnant queens or immunosuppressed cats; in such cases inactivated (killed) vaccines are recommended. Control also relies on good management practice, including disinfection with appropriate disinfectants and the use of isolation procedures. When faced with an outbreak in a colony, vaccinating all the cats will help.
Source: International Cat Care