How is feline herpes transmitted

This virus is ubiquitous and causes disease in cats all over the world. Feline herpesvirus FHV is a virus that mainly causes acute upper respiratory infections URIs in cats, although it has been associated with some other diseases also see below. The virus is readily transmitted between cats through:. With FHV, after infection, virtually all cats will remain latently infected the virus persists in nerve cells.

This means that infected cats effectively become life-long carriers of the virus. In many cats this causes no problems, and they do not continue to shed virus so are not a risk to others. When virus is shed again, some cats will also develop mild recrudescence of clinical signs. Additionally, persistent FHV infection can cause ocular problems see below.

In most cases, a specific diagnosis of FHV infection will not be required. If a specific diagnosis is required, ocular or oral swabs can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory where the virus can be grown in culture or, more commonly, detected by PCR a molecular technique for detecting the genetic material of the virus. Evidence of the virus may also be present in biopsies and can be useful for the diagnosis of FHV-associated dermatitis skin infection.

FHV infections are frequently complicated by secondary bacterial infections, so supportive treatment with antibiotics is usually required. Good nursing care is critical and cats may need to be hospitalised for intravenous fluid therapy and nutritional support in severe cases. So, if you just adopted a cat from a shelter or purchased a cat from a cattery or breeder, know that transmission to your other household cats can occur when you bring a new cat into the environment.

Sometimes unsanitary conditions due to inappropriate disinfection can further the spread of this common infection e. How long will feline herpesvirus last? Unfortunately, it can take an average of days before clinical signs of feline herpesvirus resolve 3.

Also, just like when you get cold sores when you are stressed, know that some cats can have relapses of clinical signs of herpesvirus even years later, as the virus hides in the body is latent. Treating feline herpesvirus Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline herpesvirurs, as treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Some helpful hints? Preventing feline herpesvirus Prevention: Help prevent feline upper respiratory infections, like herpesvirus, through appropriate vaccination protocols.

Work with your veterinarian to make sure your kitten or cat is healthy, and is up to date on vaccines.

When in doubt, the prognosis for feline herpesvirus is good with supportive care. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Cats experiencing an active infection are contagious and should be kept separate from other cats.

Carriers are usually not contagious, but in some cases they may still shed the virus even without showing symptoms. There are several different strains of herpesvirus, and each one targets a specific species. Humans get human herpes, canines get canine herpes, and felines get feline herpes. There is no cross-infection. A cat with herpes can only transmit the disease to other cats, meaning you, your family members, and your dog are all safe from contracting feline herpes, and vice versa.

The active infection with herpes virus typically lasts 10 to 20 days. The symptoms of feline herpes virus look very similar to several other upper respiratory infections, but herpes' calling card is conjunctivitis.

Cats with chronic herpes infection can sometimes develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS or dry eye. This condition requires lifelong medication to encourage tear production in the eyes. Feline herpesvirus is usually diagnosed based on the clinical findings and the history that you provide. Since involvement of the eyes is one of the things that sets herpes apart from other upper respiratory infections, your veterinarian may do a Schirmer tear test to evaluate your cat's tear production and check for dry eye or do a fluorescein stain to check the corneas for ulcers.

Your veterinarian can also take swabs from your cat's eyes and throat and send them out for PCR testing to identify any viral DNA. Once secretions are dry, shared bedding, bowls, toys, or litterboxes are no longer considered to be infectious.

Cats that become infected with feline herpes virus will usually begin to show symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. The nasal and ocular discharge can range from something that is clear and watery to something that is yellow-green and thick.

In severe cases, your cat's cornea may become so inflamed a condition knows as keratitis that your cat may develop corneal scarring or chronic dry eye a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Symptoms will usually arise two to five days after infection. Once your cat starts showing symptoms of the virus they may remain actively infected for days.

During this time they will be infectious to other cats. All cats that are infected with feline herpes virus will become carriers of the virus. Most cats will become latent carriers.

This means that inactive forms of the virus will survive in your cat's body. During this latent period, your cat isn't considered to be infectious, but if your cat becomes ill or if they are undergoing a period of stress the virus may become reactivated. If this happens your cat will once again become infectious and may become symptomatic. Although it's one of the most common causes of upper respiratory disease in cats, feline herpes virus isn't the only thing that can cause upper respiratory signs in your cat.

There are subtle differences, though, and you vet will hone in on a diagnosis of feline herpes virus based on your cat's symptoms, history, and physical exam.

Your vet may perform a test called a fluorescein stain to check for a corneal ulcer caused by severe keratitis.