Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
Feline panleukopenia (FPV) is a highly contagious parvovirus of cats that damages the intestinal lining and suppresses white blood cells, causing severe gastrointestinal disease especially in kittens. FPV antigen testing supports rapid confirmation of active infection, while antibody testing supports vaccination monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing reports viral load rather than a simple positive/negative result.
Fact Table
Clinical Context
Feline panleukopenia (FPV) is a highly contagious parvovirus of cats that damages the intestinal lining and suppresses white blood cells, causing severe gastrointestinal disease especially in kittens. FPV antigen testing supports rapid confirmation of active infection, while antibody testing supports vaccination monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing reports viral load rather than a simple positive/negative result.
Interpretation should combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, vaccination or treatment history where relevant, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
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Related Articles
- Feline Panleukopenia Testing: Speed and Early Detection FPV kills 90–100% of untreated kittens but 85% survive with fast care. Here's antigen vs antibody testing and why a 10-minute result matters.
- Cat Infectious Disease Testing: What One Panel Can Catch A guide to feline infectious disease testing: FPV, FHV-1, FCV, FCoV, FeLV and FIV — when to test and how to interpret results.
- Feline Triple Test: FPV, Herpes and Calicivirus The feline triple test checks FPV, herpes and calicivirus in one run — but the antibody results are not equal. Here's what the panel is actually for.
Clinical literature cited in related articles
2026-09-12
MEDIUM
FAQ
What is feline panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia (FPV, also called feline distemper) is a highly contagious, often fatal parvovirus of cats that destroys white blood cells and damages the intestinal lining, causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and immune suppression, especially in kittens.
How is FPV detected?
FPV is detected by antigen testing on a faecal or rectal swab, since the virus is shed in faeces. Quantitative fluorescence testing reports viral load, while antibody testing is used separately to confirm vaccination status.
Antigen or antibody testing for panleukopenia?
Use antigen testing when a cat is actively ill, to confirm current infection and guide isolation. Use antibody testing in serum/plasma to verify vaccine protection or assess exposure in apparently healthy cats.