Prevalence of feline panleukopenia (FPL) in domestic cats: A systematic meta-analysis

Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a fatal, transmissible disease in cats and other members of the Felidae family. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the worldwide prevalence of FPL infections in domesticated cats. This meta-analysis was finalized according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After a competent search, data extraction and identification of qualified articles were performed. Data were analyzed using a specific software program for meta-analysis, and the results included weight, effect size, publication bias, and heterogeneity. A total of 5820 domesticated cats from 36 accepted studies were investigated for FPLV infections. Of all, 2928 cats were found positive for FPLV infection, with a prevalence of 50.30%. The prevalence of FPL in cats varied significantly between countries (p < 0.001). The highest prevalence was recorded in Germany (15.81%), whereas the lowest prevalence was recorded in Korea (2 %). The Z-values were -10.935 (P = 0.000) and -2.903 (P = 0.004) for fixed and random effects, respectively. The Q-value (948.37), I-squared (96.309), and P (0.000) were the final heterogeneity variables. Moreover, the Tau-squared value was 0.888 with an SE of 0.316. Egger’s linear regression test for asymmetry did not indicate publication bias (intercept: -0.75382; 95% CI: -4.63013 to 3.122; t-value:0.395; p=0.695). The classic fail-safe N proposed that 1031 missing studies were required to conclude that the study result was significant (p = 0.000). The results of this meta-analysis indicated a high global prevalence of FPLV infection in cats. Wide variation in the prevalence of FPLV infection among countries may indicate the failure of preventive programs. The results also necessitate more attention to associated risk factors and strict control measures.