Animal Rescue Fund warns of feline panleukopenia in region; urges vaccination

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARFF) warned viewers that feline panleukopenia — also called parvovirus or feline distemper — has returned to the region and poses a particular risk to kittens and unvaccinated cats, the anchor said.

ARFF's veterinary experts noted the virus attacks the intestinal tract and bone marrow and can cause fever, lethargy, vomiting and severe dehydration; the anchor reported ARFF said "vaccines offer strong protection" and urged cat owners to "double check their pets' vaccination status immediately." ARFF also offered low‑cost vaccination appointments via its website.

Why this matters: the disease is highly contagious and can be fatal in vulnerable animals; timely vaccination and biosecurity measures (including attention to fomites) are the recommended public actions.