A outbreak of Feline Panleukopenia recently forced one local shelter to euthanize a number of cats that contracted the dangerous pet virus.

This is the first such outbreak in the region in quite a few years.

Dr. Maggie Brown-Bury—an emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Specialty Centre NL—says she’s confident that the virus was confined to that particular shelter as word got out quickly so that other facilities could take the necessary precautions through vaccination.

This particular virus is the feline version of the “parvo” virus, which is seen in dogs and can be fatal if left untreated.

Dr. Brown-Bury says Feline Panleukopenia attacks the digestive system.

She recommends keeping your cats up to date on their vaccines, as the virus survives well in the environment, and can easily be transferred.