Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feline Panleukopenia at Central Veterinary Hospital, Bangladesh

Maheshwor Bhagat  Mali; Jahangir Alam; Md.  Aftabuzzaman; Md. Mominul  Islam; Md. Shakil  Islam; Md. Akib  Zabed; Md. Royhan Gofur

Maheshwor Bhagat Mali Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Jahangir Alam Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Md. Aftabuzzaman Department of Poultry Science, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Md. Mominul Islam Department of Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Md. Shakil Islam Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Md. Akib Zabed Department of Medicine and Public Health, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Md. Royhan Gofur Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Keywords: Breed, Age, Gender, Feline Panleukopenia, Hospital

Abstract

Background: Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of cats, posing a significant threat to feline populations, particularly in multi-cat environments such as households, shelters, and catteries. In Bangladesh, epidemiological data on FPL remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of feline panleukopenia and identify associated risk factors among cats presented to a major veterinary referral center in Dhaka.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Central Veterinary Hospital, Dhaka, using hospital register records. Data from 3,217 cats presented during the study period were reviewed. Of these, 278 cats were diagnosed as FPL-positive based on clinical history, characteristic clinical signs, and rapid antigen test results. Epidemiological variables, including age, sex, and breed, were extracted and analyzed using the Chi-square (χ²) test

Results: The overall prevalence of feline panleukopenia was 8.64%. Female cats accounted for a higher proportion of cases (61.87%) compared to males (38.13%). Local breeds showed a higher occurrence of FPL (73.38%) than exotic breeds (26.62%). Age-wise analysis revealed that the highest occurrence was observed in kittens aged 0–6 months (39.93%), followed by cats aged >12 months (33.81%) and 7–12 months (26.26%).

Conclusion: Feline panleukopenia remains a common and significant infectious disease among cats in Dhaka city, with higher occurrence observed in young cats, females, and local breeds. Implementing regular vaccination programs, improving biosecurity, and promptly managing infected cats are essential to reduce the burden of FPL and prevent further transmission.

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