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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Jul 1;11(7):585–593. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.007

Feline Rabies: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management

Tadeusz Frymus 1, Diane Addie 2, Sándor Belák 3, Corine Boucraut-Baralon 4, Herman Egberink 5, Tim Gruffydd-Jones 6, Katrin Hartmann 7, Margaret J Hosie 8, Albert Lloret 9, Hans Lutz 10, Fulvio Marsilio 11, Maria Grazia Pennisi 12, Alan D Radford 13, Etienne Thiry 14, Uwe Truyen 15, Marian C Horzinek 16
PMCID: PMC11132275  PMID: 19481038

Abstract

Overview Rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, together with European bat lyssaviruses 1 and 2. In clinical practice, rabies virus is easily inactivated by detergent-based disinfectants.

Infection Rabid animals are the only source of infection. Virus is shed in the saliva some days before the onset of clinical signs and transmitted through a bite or a scratch to the skin or mucous membranes. The average incubation period in cats is 2 months, but may vary from 2 weeks to several months, or even years.

Disease signs Any unexplained aggressive behaviour or sudden behavioural change in cats must be considered suspicious. Two disease manifestations have been identified in cats: the furious and the dumb form. Death occurs after a clinical course of 1–10 days.

Diagnosis A definitive rabies diagnosis is obtained by post-mortem laboratory investigation. However, serological tests are used for post-vaccinal control, especially in the context of international movements.

Disease management Post-exposure vaccination of cats depends on the national public health regulations, and is forbidden in many countries.

Contributor Information

Tadeusz Frymus,    tadeusz_frymus@sggw.pl.

Diane Addie,  .

Sándor Belák,  .

Corine Boucraut-Baralon,  .

Herman Egberink,  .

Tim Gruffydd-Jones,  .

Katrin Hartmann,  .

Margaret J Hosie,  .

Albert Lloret,  .

Hans Lutz,  .

Fulvio Marsilio,  .

Maria Grazia Pennisi,  .

Alan D Radford,  .

Etienne Thiry,  .

Uwe Truyen,  .

Marian C Horzinek,  .

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