Shedding of feline panleukopenia virus DNA in cats in breeding catteries

The present study's aims were to investigate fecal panleukopenia virus (FPV) DNA shedding in cats from breeding catteries and to identify factors associated with shedding, including the presence of diarrhea.239 cats out of 40 catteries were included. Information on catteries and cats were obtained by a breeders' questionnaire. Fecal samples of the cats were classified with the Purina fecal score and analyzed for FPV DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Other gastrointestinal microorganisms were assessed by qPCR/RT-qPCR and fecal flotation. Information on the catteries, cats, and results of fecal sample analyses were statistically analyzed to determine factors that were associated with fecal FPV DNA shedding by Fisher's exact test; p-values <0.05 were considered significant.Six of 239 cats (2.5%) shed FPV DNA with feces. Cycle threshold values of qPCR ranged from 24-37. All FPV DNA-positive cats were coinfected (with either Clostridium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and/or feline coronavirus). Fecal consistency of 3/6 FPV DNA-positive samples was diarrheic, and fecal FPV DNA shedding was significantly associated with diarrheic feces (p= 0.015; OR: 9.9, CI_95%: 1.2-78.7). No other factors significantly influenced FPV DNA shedding.Fecal FPV DNA shedding was rarely observed among healthy cats from breeding catteries but maintaining proper vaccination programs against panleukopenia is crucial. Since FPV DNA shedding was linked to a higher likelihood of diarrheic feces, mild diarrhea in otherwise healthy cats should not be neglected and raise awareness about a potential risk of FPV within the cattery or other multi-cat environments.