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.