This is highly infectious disease of cats. The disease is characterized by fever, anorexia, depression, enteritis, dehydration, marked leukopenia and high fatality rate.
Distribution
The disease has been reported from almost all the countries of the world. The disease is enzootic in some countries. The disease has been reported from India.
Aetiology
The disease is caused by a DNA virus. This is the only virus which was identified to cause disease in cat. The virus is 20 nm in diameter, underdeveloped, single stranded having serological resemblance with mink enteritis virus and parvovirus with minor difference in antigenic character. The virus can be grown in tissue culture. The virus is very stable in nature and can persist in infected premises for more than one year resisting most of the disinfectants. The virus can be killed by sodium hypochlorite (1:32) solution, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Sodium hypochlorite is the best as virucidal agent. In order to increase cleaning properties hypochlorite can be mixed with quaternary ammonium compound. Formalin has got enough virucidal property but it should be used in empty buildings and equipment since it is too toxic to cat. The virus is shed though all secretions or excretions of the affected cat.
Susceptible Hosts
All the members of the cat family are affected. The family members include the following
- Felidae e.g. Lion. tiger, leopards
- Mustellidae e.g. Ferret, mink
- Procyoonidae e.g. Racoon, coatimundi, kinkajou
- Viverridae e.g. Civet cat.
Mode of Transmission
The virus is highly infective in nature. It is transmitted through direct contact of the healthy and unprotected cat population from infected one. Virus is shed in enormous quantities in the faeces of infected cats. But, the virus may be shed through urine, saliva, vomitus and blood. Virus can survive for more than one year and can be transmitted by oropharyngeal contact. Transplacental infection in pregnant queen is possible.
The recovered cat may remain as immune carrier and thereby act as source of transmission. The virus may persist for months together in the faeces.
The virus may be spread to cat colony by way of materials contaminated with virus. The infected environment e.g. cages, foot dishes, litter trays, clothing of attendants may remain as heavily contaminated source of infection. Thus, disinfection is primarily required to stop such spread of infection.
Clinical Findings
The disease may exist in mild transient form or as subclinical infection. But, severe form of the disease is the outcome in young kittens. The incubation period varies from 2-10 days.
Typical clinical signs include high rise of temperature and extreme depression and weakness. Animal refuse to take food and water though thirst may exist. The animal prefers to remain in sitting position with head resting in between the stretched fore limbs. There is frequent vomiting and diarrhoea which result in severe dehydration. Vomitus may contain yellowish frothy fluid and the faeces is watery in nature. Animal may attempt to drink but finally refuse to drink indicating presence of thirst. There is electrolyte imbalance. Intestine may be filled up with gas and fluid. Palpation may elicit pain.
Mortality rates may be as low as 25% and as high as 75%. Death may occur due to imposed bacterial infection. The recovered animal will suffer from severe weakness and anaemia. Pulse and respiration rate may be 120 and 30 per minute respectively.
Diagnosis
It is based in the following criteria.
- A tentative diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical signs and history of vaccination.
- Clinical pathology – Blood smear to be made on glass slide obtained by ear prick and stain with Giemsa and methylene blue. There is almost absence of leukocytes.
- Histopathology – as shown in lesions in target organ.
- Isolation of virus – Virus can be isolated from oropharyngeal swab, faeces and sera.
- Serological test.
Treatment
There is nor specific treatment against the virus. Supportive treatment is required to be provided depending on the state of health and duration of illness. A course of broad spectrum antibiotics should be given to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Control
Strict sanitation and hygienic measures are to be adopted. Disinfection of all contaminated watery materials, bedding, feeding utensils and the hands and clothes of associated human care members are to be made with proper care.
Affected animals should be isolated and treated. Recovered cats will develop immunity. Antiserum may be used which will offer good protection for about 10 days.
Both modified live and inactivated vaccines are available. Tissue culture vaccine is recommended.
Commercial Vaccine
Nobivac Tricat: This vaccine affords protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis or feline herpes virus, feline calici virus and feline panleukopenia.
Dosage and route: Reconstitute the vaccine with Nobivac solvent. Immediately after reconstitution it should be injected subcutaneously or intra muscularly.
- 1st dose at the age of 12 weeks.
- 2nd dose at the age of 16 weeks.
Where early protection is required
- 1st dose at the age of 9 weeks.
- 2nd dose at the age of 12 weeks.
Booster vaccination
- 1 dose annually.
