Feline Herpesvirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management

Abstract

Two injections, at 9 and 12 weeks of age, are recommended, with a first booster 1 year later. Boosters should be given annually to at-risk cats. For cats in low-risk situations (eg, indoor-only cats), 3-yearly intervals suffice. Cats that have recovered from FHV-associated disease are usually not protected for life against further disease episodes; vaccination of recovered cats is therefore recommended.

Epidemiological status of felid herpesvirus type-1 and feline calicivirus infections in Brazil

“…Furthermore, natural infection or vaccination fail to induce lasting immunity, and the induced response protects against the disease, although not re-infection (GASKELL & POVEY, 1979). Other mechanisms of immunity, including the complement-mediated response, have been reported (THIRY et al, 2009). Moreover, since cellular immunity is essential for the defense against viral infections, antibodies against the glycoproteins are important for the neutralization of viral particles; nevertheless, the absence of detectable antibodies in the serum of vaccinated cats does not necessarily indicate that these animals remain susceptible to infection (GASKELL et al, 2007).…”

“…Conjunctivitis may be associated with corneal ulcers and may develop into stromal keratitis and blindness (THIRY et al, 2009). Fetal infection is reported, although abortion is rare.…”

“…The induction of neutralizing antibodies occurs after infection, primarily against glycoprotein gD (MAEDA et al, 1998). However, the titers of antibodies induced by natural infection are often low and slowly increase, and may be absent until 40 days post-infection (THIRY et al, 2009). Furthermore, natural infection or vaccination fail to induce lasting immunity, and the induced response protects against the disease, although not re-infection (GASKELL & POVEY, 1979).…”

“…PCR is used to detect RNA/DNA from conjunctival, nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, blood or biopsies (THIRY et al, 2009). The sensitivity of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) depends on the primers and detected strain because of the genetic variability of FCV (RADFORD et al, 2009;THIRY et al, 2009).…”

“…Feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus type-1 (FeHV-1) are the main agents of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats (RADFORD et al, 2009;THIRY et al, 2009). Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma felis are the other agents involved in this syndrome; however, they are secondary to FCV and FeHV-1 infection.…”