Feline Plague Strikes Quebec: 20+ Cats Dead

Eastern Quebec is facing a serious outbreak of feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting cats. In Rivière-du-Loup, over 20 cats have died in the past two weeks, prompting urgent warnings from local veterinarians. The local veterinary hospital has described the outbreak as "exceptional" and urged "utmost vigilance" from pet owners.

The disease, which causes severe inflammation of the digestive system and impacts the immune system, can spread easily, even to cats that do not go outdoors. Veterinarians explain that the virus can be transmitted through casual contact. Unvaccinated or very young cats face a mortality rate as high as 90% if infected.

Symptoms to monitor include unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, weakness, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Protective measures include vaccination, avoiding contact with other felines, and refraining from fostering or pet-sitting unknown animals. Owners should also be cautious of secondhand pet supplies, as infected cats can shed the virus for weeks after recovery.

In response to the crisis, volunteer-run shelters have launched mass vaccination campaigns and temporarily paused some operations. For cats showing symptoms, isolation and immediate veterinary care are crucial, as supportive treatment significantly improves survival chances. Veterinarians stress the importance of immediate preventive vaccination for any unvaccinated cats that may have been exposed.