Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
West Nile virus infection in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Egberink, Herman et al.
Plain-English summary
West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that mainly spreads through mosquitoes and primarily affects birds, but it can also infect cats and other animals, including humans. Cats can get WNV from mosquito bites or by eating infected small animals or birds. While many cats may have been exposed to the virus, serious illness or death from WNV is uncommon. If a cat shows signs of illness due to WNV, the recommended approach is to provide supportive care to help manage the symptoms.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus with a broad host range that infects mainly birds and mosquitos, but also mammals (including humans), reptiles, amphibians and ticks. It is maintained in a bird-mosquito-bird transmission cycle. The most important vectors are bird-feeding mosquitos of the Culex genus; maintenance and amplification mainly involve passerine birds. WNV can cause disease in humans, horses and several species of birds following infection of the central nervous system. INFECTION IN CATS: Cats can also be infected through mosquito bites, and by eating infected small mammals and probably also birds. Although seroprevalence in cats can be high in endemic areas, clinical disease and mortality are rarely reported. If a cat is suspected of clinical signs due to an acute WNV infection, symptomatic treatment is indicated.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26101314/