A case of feline panleukopenia in Felis silvestris in Iran; confirmed by PCR

Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious disease of domestic and exotic species of cats. It is induced by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a member of the genus Parvovirus and Parvoviridae family. This report is about a 2-year-old wildcat (Felis silvestris), from Urmia Zoo, which was presented to Urmia university veterinary teaching hospital because of representing watery diarrhea, cachexia, weakness, anorexia, depression, fever, and emaciation. The animal failed to respond to the supportive therapy and died. Dilation, edema, and congestion of the gastrointestinal tract along with hyperemia of the serosal surface of the intestines were observed during necropsy. Mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged moderately and fibrinous exudate was observed on enteric mucosa. More histopathologic analyses showed villous atrophy and massive crypt necrosis, which was accompanied by regeneration (i.e., hyperplastic crypts) in different microscopic zones. Lymphocytic infiltration was present in the intestinal mucosa. Considering microscopic and macroscopic findings, the panleukopenia was suggested as preliminary diagnosis. Thus, complementary RT-PCR assessment was performed and results confirmed the panleukopenia. In conclusion, current case report presents FPL in Felis silvestris for the first time in Iran.