Bengaluru: Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) has reported the death of seven leopard cubs all aged below eight months since Aug. 22 due to Feline Panleukopenia infection.

Feline Panleukopenia (FP) is a viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Kittens are most severely affected by the virus, Biological Park officials said.

According to officials, the first outbreak was reported on Aug. 22. The seven cubs were aged between three and eight months. All of them were vaccinated but succumbed during the course of treatment.

According to the BBP officials, it all started on Aug. 21, when one vaccinated female leopard cub aged about eight months rescued from BRT tiger reserve suddenly fell ill and was treated immediately by administering fluids twice a day but it died on Aug. 22, 2023.

“Eleven leopards and one lion cub were infected with the virus. Interestingly, all the animals have been vaccinated for this virus, however, the animals that got this infection could be from a new strain. Now vaccination for this virus will be included in the booster list to be administered to all animals,” said a BBP official.

Cats between 3-5 months of age may be most susceptible to severe disease, which is exacerbated by concurrent gastrointestinal infections. The virus is so virulent and can affect even vaccinated animals. The virus can remain in the environment for more than a year and can withstand the temperature of 60 degrees Celsius for one hour. If a pregnant animal or a newborn is affected it can lead to cerebellar hypoplasia and cerebellar ataxia in newborns if recovered, explained the BBP veterinarian.