Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Panleukopenia Prevention

Feline panleukopenia is a severe viral disease that vaccination effectively prevents, and welfare outcomes in unvaccinated cats are very poor.

Key Facts

Panleukopenia causes severe gastrointestinal disease with mortality rates of 50-90% in unvaccinated cats
The virus is highly environmentally stable and survives months on surfaces
Vaccination provides highly effective protection and is a core vaccine for all cats
Shelter outbreaks cause mass mortality and significant welfare compromise
Kittens born to unvaccinated queens have no maternal antibody protection

Welfare Considerations

Panleukopenia causes severe suffering through bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever before death in the majority of affected unvaccinated cats. Vaccination is highly effective and the welfare harm from disease is entirely preventable through appropriate vaccination protocols.

What You Can Do

Ensure all cats are vaccinated against panleukopenia from 8-9 weeks of age
Maintain regular boosters to ensure long-term immunity
Support low-cost vaccination programs for community cats