Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How feline calicivirus spreads and cleans in cat facilities
By Spiri, Andrea Monika et al.·Published in Viruses·2019·Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Environmental Contamination and Hygienic Measures After Feline Calicivirus Field Strain Infections of Cats in a Research Facility.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats in a research facility became infected with feline calicivirus (FCV), which can cause painful mouth sores, excessive drooling, and fever. After the cats were exposed to the virus, it was found in their saliva and on various surfaces in their environment, indicating that the virus can spread easily. Cleaning alone was not enough to eliminate the virus, but using a disinfectant helped remove it completely from the area. This study highlights the importance of proper cleaning and disinfection in places where multiple cats are housed to prevent the spread of FCV.
People also search for: cat calicivirus symptoms · how to disinfect after cat virus · feline calicivirus treatment
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV) can cause painful oral ulcerations, salivation, gingivitis/stomatitis, fever and depression in infected cats; highly virulent virus variants can lead to fatal epizootic outbreaks. Viral transmission occurs directly or indirectly via fomites. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and viability of FCV in the environment after sequential oronasal infections of specified pathogen-free cats with two FCV field strains in a research facility. Replicating virus was detected in saliva swabs from all ten cats after the first and in four out of ten cats after the second FCV exposure using virus isolation to identify FCV shedders. In the environment, where cleaning, but no disinfection took place, FCV viral RNA was detectable using RT-qPCR on all tested items and surfaces, including cat hair. However, only very limited evidence was found of replicating virus using virus isolation. Viral RNA remained demonstrable for at least 28 days after shedding had ceased in all cats. Disinfection with 5% sodium bicarbonate (and IncidinPlus) and barrier measures were effective in that no viral RNA was detectable outside the cat rooms. Our findings are important for any multicat environment to optimize hygienic measures against FCV infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31627345/