Hundreds Of Cats Dying In Michigan

[QueenScoopalot]

Moosmom...how far is this from you? I hope it doesn't hit the shelter you're with.




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Killer cat virus spreading in Saginaw County


The Associated Press
8/7/2004, 12:22 p.m. ET


SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Animal welfare officials say a preventable viral outbreak sweeping Saginaw County is killing hundreds of cats.


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The virus, called panleukopenia, likely killed nearly 800 cats this summer, said Mark Wachner, director of the Animal Care Center.

The disease attacks a cat's white blood cells, making the animal more susceptible to other complications and bacterial infections.

"This could be prevented with just normal vaccinations," Wachner told The Saginaw News for a story Saturday. "Cats are among the most neglected domestic animals in the country," adding that they also need regular exams.

Dr. Nancy Frank, acting state veterinarian, said panleukopenia mostly affects kittens because their immune systems aren't strong enough to ward off the disease.

"It usually shows up in animal shelters, where there are a lot of stray cats brought in without their shots," Frank said.

"In a kitten, it can wipe out 98 percent of the cells in a 24-hour period. It's really quick," said Ellen Newton, a veterinarian assistant at the center.

Animal health officials are urging pet owners to keep cats indoors.

[rg_girlca]

That is just to darn sad.
When are people going to learn. Unfortunately probably not in my life time.

[cubby31682]

Wow! I will have to pass that on to my friends to let them know. That is so scray and sad all at the same time.

[catmandu]

The Pet Angel Army,has been getting a Lot Of Cat Recruits,from that area,and from Down South! That is so sad,that there are so many vulnerable Strays Out There!

[sirrahbed]

Isn't this something that most of our kitties are vaccinated against? How awful to read this!!

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
Isn't this something that most of our kitties are vaccinated against? How awful to read this!!

They should be Deb, but usually people who choose to abandon their cats, don't bother with the important things like FVRCP vaccinations, and altering. That's why my house is bursting at the seams, and probably why the two babies were rendered blind. If the mama cat had been vaccinated, and spayed responsibly, these kittens would probably have been fine.

[Kirsten]

What a terrible thing!!!

Same has happened two weeks ago in a shelter in Oregon. Another panleukopenia outbreak. A friend of mine has gotten two cats from there, they both got sick. Days later they have closed the shelter for disinfection and all the kitties have been killed!

Kirsten

[moosmom]

Jan,

Panleukopenia, medical term for Feline Distemper, is more fatal to kittens than older cats because of the kitten's immune system hasn't been fully developed yet. It can stay airborne for up to one year. Older cats can and are immunized against it.

I know only too well how devastating Distemper can be. Saginaw is somewhere North of where I am (I think). Not sure how far, but I sure hope it doesn't come this way.

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by moosmom
Jan,

Panleukopenia, medical term for Feline Distemper, is more fatal to kittens than older cats because of the kitten's immune system hasn't been fully developed yet. It can stay airborne for up to one year. Older cats can and are immunized against it.

I know only too well how devastating Distemper can be. Saginaw is somewhere North of where I am (I think). Not sure how far, but I sure hope it doesn't come this way.

Donna....that's why I have my Eli, Misty, Noel etc. because of negligent persons who create feral colonies. Their moms all contracted panleuk/distemper while pregnant, but managed to fight the virus off, and deliver brain damaged kittens. With the way a cat's uterus is set up however, not all the kittens are affected. Depends on the gestation period, etc. Sometimes entire litters will be affected. I've had panleuk/ hit here a few times, and it really sucks! (They can say that word on The Simpsons). And I'm guessing they may be referring to strays, abandoned, and ferals that have bit dying in Saginaw. I know around here many people can't be bothered vaccinatinf, let alone spaying an animal. That's why my headcount so far this year has been only 220.

[leslie]

Saginaw is on Lake Michigan. I used to stop there on my way to mom's farm in Cadilac MI. The area I saw was very upscale. I was surprised to see this story- upscale, dumpy and povery ridden, doesn't matter- there are animals not properly taken care of in all social ranks!

[Fallon]

Viruses are very bad.. that is so sad..