Cannot be eradicated from the cat population because of carriers. Maternal antibody in colostrum is vital & protects kittens from clinical disease for the first 4-8 weeks of life (antibody half life is 15 days), then susceptible to infection from asymptomatic, clinically-ill cats or carrier mothers. Clinical signs of variable severity; more severe disease in kittens with low maternal antibody levels.
Attenuated live virus vaccine or inactivated vaccine (containing broadly cross-reactive strains) in combination with herpesvirus & panleukopenia virus. However, some evidence that vaccines do not protect against all strains. Duration of protection 12 months or longer. Vaccination of the whole cat population should be the aim.
Carriers should not be in a breeding colony or at the least should not come into contact with kittens. Cattery owners should insist on recent vaccination and contact between pens should be limited.