Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Upper respiratory infections in cats linked to four germs in 218
By Helps, C R et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2005·University of Bristol, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Factors associated with upper respiratory tract disease caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats: experience from 218 European catteries.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study looked at upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats, finding that certain viruses and bacteria, including feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, were common in affected cats. The research involved nearly 1,800 cats from various catteries and shelters, where they tested for these pathogens. It showed that poor hygiene, contact with sick dogs, and having many cats in one place increased the risk of URTD. Keeping a clean environment and limiting contact with sick animals can help reduce the spread of these infections among cats.
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Abstract
A full history of the management practices and the prevalence of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) at 218 rescue shelters, breeding establishments and private households with five or more cats was recorded. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs and blood samples were taken from 1748 cats. The prevalences of feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica were determined by PCR on swab samples. An ELISA was applied to determine the prevalence of antibodies to B. bronchiseptica. The rates of detection by PCR of each pathogen in the cats in catteries with and without ongoing URTD were, respectively, FHV 16 per cent and 8 per cent; FCV 47 per cent and 29 per cent; C. felis 10 per cent and 3 per cent; and B. bronchiseptica 5 per cent and 1.3 per cent; the seroprevalences of B. bronchiseptica were 61 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively. There was evidence that FHV, FCV and B. bronchiseptica played a role in URTD. The risk factors associated with the disease were less than excellent hygiene, contact with dogs with URTD, and larger numbers of cats in the cattery or household.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15908495/