Infectious diseases in cat shelters

DiGangi BA, Levy JK, Griffin B, et al. Prevalence of serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and feline calicivirus in cats entering a Florida animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 1320-5.
 
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) are widespread in the cat population, and particularly in shelter environments. The American Association of Feline Practitioners guidelines recommend that all cats at or over 4 weeks of age be vaccinated against these three viruses upon admission to animal shelters. However, the proportion of cats entering shelters that are already protected (i.e., seropositive) against infection (FPV) or disease (FHV-1 and FCV) because of prior vaccination or natural exposure is usually unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with seropositivity for FPV, FHV-1, and FCV in cats entering a Florida animal shelter.

Of 347 cats enrolled in this study, prevalence of seropositivity was 39.8%, 11.0% and 36.6% against FPV, FHV-1, and FCV, respectively. Factors associated with seropositivity included sterilization, age equal to or greater than 6 months, and relinquishment by an owner. Surprisingly, community origin (i.e., rural or urban), health status, signs of previous caregiving aside from sterilization, and outcome (i.e., adopted, transferred, euthanized, or reclaimed by owner) were not associated with seropositivity and should not be used to determine an individual cat’s need for vaccination. This study suggests that most cats admitted to an animal shelter do not have adequate antibody protection against infection or disease; therefore, the recommendation to vaccinate all cats admitted to an animal shelter is reasonable and vaccination should not be withheld due to signs of previous veterinary care. [GO]

See also: DiGangi BA, Gray LK, Levy JK, Dubovi EJ and Tucker SJ. Detection of protective antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus in shelter cats using a point-of-care ELISA. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 912-8.

Related blog articles:
Upper respiratory tract disease in shelters (November 2009)
Disease control in animal shelters (May 2011)
Coronavirus in California shelter cats (April 2012)

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DiGangi BA, Levy JK, Griffin B, et al. Prevalence of serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and feline calicivirus in cats entering a Florida animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 1320-5.
 
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) are widespread in the cat population, and particularly in shelter environments. The American Association of Feline Practitioners guidelines recommend that all cats at or over 4 weeks of age be vaccinated against these three viruses upon admission to animal shelters. However, the proportion of cats entering shelters that are already protected (i.e., seropositive) against infection (FPV) or disease (FHV-1 and FCV) because of prior vaccination or natural exposure is usually unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with seropositivity for FPV, FHV-1, and FCV in cats entering a Florida animal shelter.

Of 347 cats enrolled in this study, prevalence of seropositivity was 39.8%, 11.0% and 36.6% against FPV, FHV-1, and FCV, respectively. Factors associated with seropositivity included sterilization, age equal to or greater than 6 months, and relinquishment by an owner. Surprisingly, community origin (i.e., rural or urban), health status, signs of previous caregiving aside from sterilization, and outcome (i.e., adopted, transferred, euthanized, or reclaimed by owner) were not associated with seropositivity and should not be used to determine an individual cat’s need for vaccination. This study suggests that most cats admitted to an animal shelter do not have adequate antibody protection against infection or disease; therefore, the recommendation to vaccinate all cats admitted to an animal shelter is reasonable and vaccination should not be withheld due to signs of previous veterinary care. [GO]

See also: DiGangi BA, Gray LK, Levy JK, Dubovi EJ and Tucker SJ. Detection of protective antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus in shelter cats using a point-of-care ELISA. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 912-8.

Related blog articles:
Upper respiratory tract disease in shelters (November 2009)
Disease control in animal shelters (May 2011)
Coronavirus in California shelter cats (April 2012)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Cats and Viruses

Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

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Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

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PCR Testing for Feline Respiratory Viruses

Ruch-Gallie RA, Veir JK, Hawley JR et al: Results of molecular diagnostic assays targeting feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus in adult cats administered modified live vaccines, J Feline Med Surg 13:541, 2011.

Diagnostic testing to identify the cause of a respiratory infection in a cat today often involves molecular testing of swabs collected from the nasal and pharyngeal areas. These assays detect the genetic material of the virus of interest. These molecular assays, known as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are very sensitive, able to detect very small amounts virus. Vaccines given to cats, including cats entering shelters, are usually live virus vaccines. When respiratory disease occurs in these cats soon after vaccination, the concern is that the molecular assays may detect the vaccine virus, confusing the diagnosis. These researchers investigated the likelihood of detecting virus in the days immediately following vaccination. They tested multiple samples collected from six cats given an intranasal vaccine and six given a subcutaneous vaccine. Overall, the detection of virus within days after vaccination was uncommon. The risk was slightly higher with intranasal vaccines versus the subcutaneous vaccines. But the percentage of samples collected that gave positive results was quite small. Thus, the risk of false positive results from vaccination appears to be low. [MK]

Related articles:
Maggs D, Clarke H: Relative sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction assays used for detection of feline herpesvirus type 1 DNA in clinical samples and commercial vaccines, Am J Vet Res 66:1550, 2005.

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Ruch-Gallie RA, Veir JK, Hawley JR et al: Results of molecular diagnostic assays targeting feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus in adult cats administered modified live vaccines, J Feline Med Surg 13:541, 2011.

Diagnostic testing to identify the cause of a respiratory infection in a cat today often involves molecular testing of swabs collected from the nasal and pharyngeal areas. These assays detect the genetic material of the virus of interest. These molecular assays, known as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are very sensitive, able to detect very small amounts virus. Vaccines given to cats, including cats entering shelters, are usually live virus vaccines. When respiratory disease occurs in these cats soon after vaccination, the concern is that the molecular assays may detect the vaccine virus, confusing the diagnosis. These researchers investigated the likelihood of detecting virus in the days immediately following vaccination. They tested multiple samples collected from six cats given an intranasal vaccine and six given a subcutaneous vaccine. Overall, the detection of virus within days after vaccination was uncommon. The risk was slightly higher with intranasal vaccines versus the subcutaneous vaccines. But the percentage of samples collected that gave positive results was quite small. Thus, the risk of false positive results from vaccination appears to be low. [MK]

Related articles:
Maggs D, Clarke H: Relative sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction assays used for detection of feline herpesvirus type 1 DNA in clinical samples and commercial vaccines, Am J Vet Res 66:1550, 2005.

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Feline Gingivostomatitis

Dowers KL, Hawley JR, Brewer MM et al: Association of Bartonella species, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus 1 infection with gingivostomatitis in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12:314, 2010.

Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common and devastating disease in cats that results in painful erosive lesions in the throat, oral mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. In many situations, there is not a cure and therapy must be intermittent or chronic. Three of the more common differential diagnoses are feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species. A total of 131 client-owned cats were involved in this study, 70 of which had FGS confirmed by histopathology and 61 healthy control cats. Results of this study did not find an association between Bartonella species test results (Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and tissues) and the presence of FGS. Additionally, detection of FHV-1 DNA was not significantly different between groups. With FCV, RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than the control cats (0%). This would suggest that in some of the cats, FCV was associated with FGS. An association could not be shown however between FCV RNA in tissues and lesion severity or location. [VT]

Related articles:
Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J et al: Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis, J Feline Med Surg 10:66, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Dowers KL, Hawley JR, Brewer MM et al: Association of Bartonella species, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus 1 infection with gingivostomatitis in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12:314, 2010.

Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common and devastating disease in cats that results in painful erosive lesions in the throat, oral mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. In many situations, there is not a cure and therapy must be intermittent or chronic. Three of the more common differential diagnoses are feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species. A total of 131 client-owned cats were involved in this study, 70 of which had FGS confirmed by histopathology and 61 healthy control cats. Results of this study did not find an association between Bartonella species test results (Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and tissues) and the presence of FGS. Additionally, detection of FHV-1 DNA was not significantly different between groups. With FCV, RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than the control cats (0%). This would suggest that in some of the cats, FCV was associated with FGS. An association could not be shown however between FCV RNA in tissues and lesion severity or location. [VT]

Related articles:
Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J et al: Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis, J Feline Med Surg 10:66, 2008.

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Feline Calicivirus Vaccination

Huang C, Hess J, Gill M et al.: A dual-strain feline calicivirus vaccine stimulates broader cross-neutralization antibodies than a single-strain vaccine and lessens clinical signs in vaccinated cats when challenged with a homologous feline calicivirus strain associated with virulent systemic disease, J Feline Med Surg 12:129, 2010.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is generally associated with mild upper respiratory disease. In recent years, a more severe disease syndrome with high mortality has been linked to FCV infection. Viral mutations responsible for the different disease presentations have not been identified. In addition, these viruses differ in antigenicity, or how they appear to the immune system of the cat. This has an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines to induce protection against all strains of the virus. This report describes the ability of a vaccine containing two different strains of FCV to induce protection in vaccinated animals against many strains of the virus. The two strains used were a traditional FCV strain and a strain isolated from a case of virulent systemic disease (VSD). Serum from vaccinated cats was tested for protection (neutralization antibodies) against various FCV isolates. Immunity, as indicated by levels of serum neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated cats was tested against 37 European isolates of FCV as well as six VSD isolates from the United States. It is not clear as to whether these isolates were characterized genetically or antigenically; thus, their similarity or dissimilarity could not be assessed. This is important when assessing cross-protectiveness of a vaccine against different virus strains. Serum from cats vaccinated with both FCV strains neutralized more FCV isolates than that from cats vaccinated with a single FCV strain. Not surprisingly, cats vaccinated with the VSD-producing strain were protected against challenge with the same, virulent virus. The researchers conclude that this vaccine containing two strains is more effective than those containing a single strain. But given that the diversity of the strains against which the vaccine was tested was not described, this cannot be definitively stated. [MK]

Related articles:
Addie D, Poulet H, Golder MC et al.: Ability of antibodies to two new caliciviral vaccine strains to neutralise feline calicivirus isolates from the UK, Vet Rec 163:355, 2008.

Radford AD, Addie D, Belak S et al.: Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:556, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Huang C, Hess J, Gill M et al.: A dual-strain feline calicivirus vaccine stimulates broader cross-neutralization antibodies than a single-strain vaccine and lessens clinical signs in vaccinated cats when challenged with a homologous feline calicivirus strain associated with virulent systemic disease, J Feline Med Surg 12:129, 2010.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is generally associated with mild upper respiratory disease. In recent years, a more severe disease syndrome with high mortality has been linked to FCV infection. Viral mutations responsible for the different disease presentations have not been identified. In addition, these viruses differ in antigenicity, or how they appear to the immune system of the cat. This has an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines to induce protection against all strains of the virus. This report describes the ability of a vaccine containing two different strains of FCV to induce protection in vaccinated animals against many strains of the virus. The two strains used were a traditional FCV strain and a strain isolated from a case of virulent systemic disease (VSD). Serum from vaccinated cats was tested for protection (neutralization antibodies) against various FCV isolates. Immunity, as indicated by levels of serum neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated cats was tested against 37 European isolates of FCV as well as six VSD isolates from the United States. It is not clear as to whether these isolates were characterized genetically or antigenically; thus, their similarity or dissimilarity could not be assessed. This is important when assessing cross-protectiveness of a vaccine against different virus strains. Serum from cats vaccinated with both FCV strains neutralized more FCV isolates than that from cats vaccinated with a single FCV strain. Not surprisingly, cats vaccinated with the VSD-producing strain were protected against challenge with the same, virulent virus. The researchers conclude that this vaccine containing two strains is more effective than those containing a single strain. But given that the diversity of the strains against which the vaccine was tested was not described, this cannot be definitively stated. [MK]

Related articles:
Addie D, Poulet H, Golder MC et al.: Ability of antibodies to two new caliciviral vaccine strains to neutralise feline calicivirus isolates from the UK, Vet Rec 163:355, 2008.

Radford AD, Addie D, Belak S et al.: Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:556, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Shelters

Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus

Reynolds BS, Poulet H, Pingret JL et al: A nosocomial outbreak of feline calicivirus associated virulent systemic disease in France, J Feline Med Surg 11:633, 2009.

This paper documents an outbreak of virulent systemic (VS) feline calicivirus (FCV) at a veterinary teaching hospital in France. The initial case was referred to the hospital, presenting with severe depression, fever, facial and limb edema, crusting, mucopurulent nasal discharge, oral ulceration and dyspnea. Within 10 days, 2 cats (one owned by a veterinary student and one that had visited the hospital 3 days previous) presented with similar disease symptoms. These 3 cats all died or were euthanized without a confirmed diagnosis. The fourth case presented 3 days after a visit to the hospital, and FCV was confirmed. At that point, the possibility of hospital-acquired infection was assessed, and 3 additional hospitalized cats were found to be infected. The hospital was then closed to cats for 19 days and disinfected. An eighth cat owned by a veterinary student who was working in the hospital during this period also contracted the virus and was hospitalized at a private clinic. Of the 8 affected cats, 3 died, 2 were euthanized, and 2 recovered. As indicated, 2 cases never in the affected hospital occurred in cats infected by their owners (veterinary students present at the hospital). The virus from this outbreak was characterized, and found to be the same in all cases. This outbreak illustrates the highly contagious nature of this virus. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Radford AD, Addie D, Belak S et al: Feline calicivirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:556, 2009.
>> Free, full text article

Radford AD, Coyne KP, Dawson S et al: Feline calicivirus, Vet Res 38:319, 2007.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Reynolds BS, Poulet H, Pingret JL et al: A nosocomial outbreak of feline calicivirus associated virulent systemic disease in France, J Feline Med Surg 11:633, 2009.

This paper documents an outbreak of virulent systemic (VS) feline calicivirus (FCV) at a veterinary teaching hospital in France. The initial case was referred to the hospital, presenting with severe depression, fever, facial and limb edema, crusting, mucopurulent nasal discharge, oral ulceration and dyspnea. Within 10 days, 2 cats (one owned by a veterinary student and one that had visited the hospital 3 days previous) presented with similar disease symptoms. These 3 cats all died or were euthanized without a confirmed diagnosis. The fourth case presented 3 days after a visit to the hospital, and FCV was confirmed. At that point, the possibility of hospital-acquired infection was assessed, and 3 additional hospitalized cats were found to be infected. The hospital was then closed to cats for 19 days and disinfected. An eighth cat owned by a veterinary student who was working in the hospital during this period also contracted the virus and was hospitalized at a private clinic. Of the 8 affected cats, 3 died, 2 were euthanized, and 2 recovered. As indicated, 2 cases never in the affected hospital occurred in cats infected by their owners (veterinary students present at the hospital). The virus from this outbreak was characterized, and found to be the same in all cases. This outbreak illustrates the highly contagious nature of this virus. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Radford AD, Addie D, Belak S et al: Feline calicivirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:556, 2009.
>> Free, full text article

Radford AD, Coyne KP, Dawson S et al: Feline calicivirus, Vet Res 38:319, 2007.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Calicivirus and Fleas

Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Response to Vaccinations in Cats

Lappin, M. R., J. Veir, et al. (2009). "Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 159-162.

Researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the antibody response of cats to a single inoculation of one of two modified live vaccines containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These pathogens commonly infect cats, and some cats at greatest risk, such as those in shelters or pet stores, may suffer severe disease, or even death. In these situations, rapid onset of immunity following vaccination is needed. The investigators sought to determine the timing of seroconversion in 10 seronegative cats following a single vaccination with either an intranasal vaccine or one given subcutaneously (both are commercially available vaccines). This study had limitations, in that the number of cats tested were small, and protection was evaluated by antibody levels only. In addition, the cats tested were adults not kittens; thus, the ability to break through maternal immunity could not be evaluated. Nevertheless, results were informative. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers indicating two vaccinations are required for adequate protection. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were given the intranasal versus the injectable vaccine. However, for FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert earlier than cats that were administered the injectable vaccine. These results suggest that the FVRCP vaccine administered IN should be considered in populations of FCV naive cats with high risk of exposure. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). "Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., J. Andrews, et al. (2002). "Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(1): 38-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lappin, M. R., J. Veir, et al. (2009). "Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 159-162.

Researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the antibody response of cats to a single inoculation of one of two modified live vaccines containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These pathogens commonly infect cats, and some cats at greatest risk, such as those in shelters or pet stores, may suffer severe disease, or even death. In these situations, rapid onset of immunity following vaccination is needed. The investigators sought to determine the timing of seroconversion in 10 seronegative cats following a single vaccination with either an intranasal vaccine or one given subcutaneously (both are commercially available vaccines). This study had limitations, in that the number of cats tested were small, and protection was evaluated by antibody levels only. In addition, the cats tested were adults not kittens; thus, the ability to break through maternal immunity could not be evaluated. Nevertheless, results were informative. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers indicating two vaccinations are required for adequate protection. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were given the intranasal versus the injectable vaccine. However, for FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert earlier than cats that were administered the injectable vaccine. These results suggest that the FVRCP vaccine administered IN should be considered in populations of FCV naive cats with high risk of exposure. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). "Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., J. Andrews, et al. (2002). "Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(1): 38-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Causes of Gingivitis in Cats

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

New Antiviral Treatment for Feline Calicivirus

Smith, A. W., P. L. Iversen, et al. (2008). "Virus-specific antiviral treatment for controlling severe and fatal outbreaks of feline calicivirus infection." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 23-32.

During the past decade, several outbreaks of severe systemic disease associated with feline calicivirus (FCV) have occurred with high mortality in the affected animals. This study details evaluation of a virus-specific antiviral phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) for treating 112 kittens involved in 3 natural outbreaks of disease in the United States. PMOs are molecules used to modify gene expression. This novel treatment modality has not previously been tested in cats. A calicivirus strain was isolated from a cat that died of natural hemorrhagic calicivirus disease and a PMO was synthesized. The PMO was administered on day 1 of clinical signs and continued for up to 7 days. Various antiviral doses were evaluated by comparing survival times, clinical recovery, and virus shedding. In the natural outbreaks, 47 of 59 treated cats survived, but only 3 of 31 untreated cats survived. PMO treatment reduced calicivirus shedding and improved clinical recovery. Virus-specific PMOs may be an effective modality for treatment of severe disease associated with feline calicivirus.
>> PubMed abstract

Related blog posts:
Virulent systemic calicivirus
Feline caliciviruses causing virulent systemic disease are genetically distinct


More on PMOs


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Smith, A. W., P. L. Iversen, et al. (2008). "Virus-specific antiviral treatment for controlling severe and fatal outbreaks of feline calicivirus infection." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 23-32.

During the past decade, several outbreaks of severe systemic disease associated with feline calicivirus (FCV) have occurred with high mortality in the affected animals. This study details evaluation of a virus-specific antiviral phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) for treating 112 kittens involved in 3 natural outbreaks of disease in the United States. PMOs are molecules used to modify gene expression. This novel treatment modality has not previously been tested in cats. A calicivirus strain was isolated from a cat that died of natural hemorrhagic calicivirus disease and a PMO was synthesized. The PMO was administered on day 1 of clinical signs and continued for up to 7 days. Various antiviral doses were evaluated by comparing survival times, clinical recovery, and virus shedding. In the natural outbreaks, 47 of 59 treated cats survived, but only 3 of 31 untreated cats survived. PMO treatment reduced calicivirus shedding and improved clinical recovery. Virus-specific PMOs may be an effective modality for treatment of severe disease associated with feline calicivirus.
>> PubMed abstract

Related blog posts:
Virulent systemic calicivirus
Feline caliciviruses causing virulent systemic disease are genetically distinct


More on PMOs


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More