Feline infectious enteritis (FIE) is also known as feline parvovirus (FPV) and feline panleukopenia (pan = all, leuko = white, penia = lack of) and is probably the greatest disease threat to any rescue facility and has a very high mortality rate, particularly in unvaccinated kittens. It was the first disease of cats to be shown to be caused by a virus. Parvoviruses are very dangerous as they are able to survive long periods, sometimes even years, in the environment. Cats infected with FPV can continue to excrete the virus for at least six weeks following infection. Parvoviruses are resistant to many disinfectants and it is vital that an effective disinfectant is used.

Source and spread of infection

Feline infectious enteritis is spread by direct faecal-oral contact and also indirectly following contamination of the environment or objects by an infected animal, eg, on food dishes, grooming equipment, bedding, floors, clothing or hands. Transplacental spread through the uterus to the unborn kittens can occur. Infection in late pregnancy leads to the underdevelopment of the cerebellum, an area of the brain concerned with coordination of movements. Kittens that are infected as they are developing in the uterus often appear normal at birth but as they become more active, they show uncoordinated movement, walking with their legs wide apart and with muscle tremors frequently present.

Clinical disease

In kittens over three or four weeks of age and adults, the virus causes a severe enteritis, following an incubation period of five to nine days. If the immune response is not adequate to protect the cat, the virus will enter the bloodstream and travel to the bonemarrow and lymph glands, lading to a marked decrease in white blood cells. From there, the virus travels to the intestines where it destroys the rapidly dividing cells of the lining of the gut. Infected cats and kittens usually have a fever, are obviously depressed and will not eat. This phase is rapidly followed by severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Occasionally kittens will be found dead, having shown no signs of the disease previously.

Treatment

No specific treatment is available 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 cat or kitten suspected of having the disease. Where possible, one or two people who do not handle any other cats should be assigned as nurses. Cats often die from dehydration and massive secondary infection, so fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics are crucial. Severely dehydrated cats will usually require intravenous fluids and veterinary support is essential. Antiemetics (to stop vomiting) and vitamin supplements can also be helpful. Good nursing care is vital to help sick cats, especially young kittens recover from the disease.

Control

Feline infectious enteritis is far better prevented than treated. Highly effective vaccines are available and all cats and kittens should be vaccinated. Modified live vaccines should not be used in pregnant queens or cats that are immunosuppressed and, in such cases, dead (inactivated vaccines are recommended. As with all infectious diseases, vaccination needs to be combined with good management practices, including disinfection and use of isolation procedures. To maintain protection, regular booster vaccination will be required.