why does parc need bleach donations for the shelter?

*what's up paws

Our feline care supervisor copy-pasted the following text below about Feline Distemper and disinfectants. You can read the whole article at http://www.sunlakesanimalclinic.com/Library/Panleuk.htm

Please note that even the most expensive disinfectant cannot kill the panleukopenia virus. Bleach is the most inexpensive and effective disinfectant for the shelter cattery and quarantine.

NOTE: GPC8 can also kill the virus, but it is too expensive if we mop our floors with it. We use GPC 8 for spraying our volunteer's/visitor's clothing and shoes.

PARC uses up an average of 3.8Liters of ZONROX or WINROX (or any other bleach) once a week.

We are requesting donations of bleach for the shelter. Donations may be sent to PARC - Aurora Blvd., Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, QC (http://parc.mefindhome.org) or through PAWS President Nita Lichauco at 87 Small Horseshoe Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Thank you.

-The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

How Is Panleukopenia Virus Transmitted?

Cats acquire infection with Panleukopenia virus by ingesting (meaning to swallow) the infectious virus particles. Like the Parvo virus in dogs, Panleuk is one of the hardiest viruses known to science and this virus can live outside the body in a dormant yet infectious state for one to two years. Kittens do not have to be in direct contact with other cats to catch Panleukopenia since the virus can be spread by people's clothing, shoes, and other inanimate surfaces, and can even travel on the dust in the air. A cat (or kitten) who is shedding the Panleukopenia virus can defecate (meaning 'go to the bathroom') on a surface and then a susceptible kitten can come by and sniff or lick this surface over a year later and can still catch Panleuk.

What Are Other Ways To Prevent The Spread Of Panleukopenia?

Common disinfectants (such as Lysterine, Lysol, alcohol, etc) will not kill Panleukopenia. The only two things which will kill Panleuk outright are fire (burning contaminated blankets, newspapers, etc) and a dilute Clorox solution (1 part Clorox to 32 parts water). I keep referring to Parvo virus in dogs throughout this document but the analogy is a valid one because the two viruses are in the same family and are quite similar with the exception being that one (Panleukopenia) infects just cats while the other (Parvo) infects just dogs. If you have an understanding of Parvo, then you can understand Panleuk since they are almost the same virus.

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