Animal Welfare Professionals

Feline Panleukopenia Protocol from Longmont Humane Society

Purpose: This document is designed to help recognize which animals need to be isolated and treated for the feline distemper virus (also known as panleukopenia virus). Policy: Feline panleukopenia is a non-enveloped virus that typically causes vomiting, diarrhea, and a drop in white blood cells in affected patients. This disease is highly contagious, has a significant risk for complications and/or death, and is difficult to remove from the environment. Because of these factors, felines diagnosed with this disease are carefully isolated from the remainder of the shelter population, and any kennel or room the feline was in prior needs to be deep cleaned appropriately. Treatment for panleukopenia happens in a foster home, or if no foster is available, in an isolated area of the shelter.