Image From Facebook/APARCMH

By Chris Brown

Five confirmed cases of panleukopenia at APARC, emergency fosters needed

Jan 9, 2023 | 2:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There are five confirmed cases of panleukopenia at the Alberta Pound & Rescue Centre.

APARC went into full lockdown last week after the disease and said that any animals showing signs of illness will have to be euthanized immediately.

Staff put the call out for emergency foster homes when the outbreak was discovered and four days later are still in need.

“We are looking to save as many lives as possible during this time. It has been recommended to us by our veterinarian that we find foster homes for the most vulnerable to Panleukopenia,” reads a post on APARC’s Facebook page.

The centre says homes are needed for up to 27 adult cats and kittens. There can be no other cats in the home and the foster animals must be kept in a room that is easy to clean such as a bathroom or a room with tile or hard flooring.

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Fosters must keep the cats/kittens for at least two weeks, which is the incubation period for panleukopenia.

All of these cats/kittens have received their first vaccines as a precaution.

Anyone interested in fostering is asked to call 403-487-5671, extension 1, or message APARC through Facebook. All fosters interested will need to fill out APARC’s foster form.

APARC has posted the following information about panleukopenia.

The term panleukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of all the white blood cells in the body. White blood cells play a major role in immunity and are important in defending against infections and diseases. In severe panleukopenia, white blood cell numbers may drop from the normal of several thousand per milliliter of blood to just a few hundred. This makes an affected cat extremely vulnerable to other infections.

Without supportive care, up to 90% of cats with panleuk may die. And with supportive care, there is no guarantee the cat will survive.

High-risk cats include:

• Kittens under 6 months
• Pregnant cats
• Immune-compromised cats
• Non-vaccinated cats

Due to our large residency of cats and dogs in a very small building we are unable to isolate sick or infected pets. We are working on recommendations from our vet care provider.