A potentially deadly feline virus has infected several cats in the Boston Neighborhood of Mattapan.

Panleukopenia is a highly infectious virus that causes a lack of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. It's also known as feline distemper. The virus can be prevented by vaccine.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston identified the outbreak, and said the virus affects younger cats and kittens.
In response to the outbreak, The Animal Rescue League of Boston in partnership with the Massachusetts Animal Fund and City of Boston Animal Care & Control will hold a free feline distemper clinic on October 22 to local residents.

For more information, visit www.arlboston.org/panleuk-clinic