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Deadly, contagious feline disease spreading throughout South Florida
WPLG Local 10 • • health
Key Points:
- A new, highly contagious and deadly strain of feline panleukopenia (feline parvo) is rapidly spreading through cat populations in South Florida this summer, affecting both kittens and adult cats.
- The virus causes severe symptoms such as loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, and many cats die within 24 to 48 hours of showing symptoms.
- Overpopulation of cats and lack of vaccinations are major factors contributing to the outbreak, with local rescues reporting increased deaths and burnout among foster caregivers.
- Vaccination is the only effective protection, requiring three doses for solid immunity, and some rescues are offering low-cost vaccines to help control the spread.
- Local animal shelters have seen a rise in cases, with Miami-Dade reporting 216 infections this year and Broward County experiencing multiple quarantines due to exposure.
