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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Jul 1;11(7):547–555. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.003

Feline Herpesvirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management

Etienne Thiry 1, Diane Addie 2, Sándor Belák 3, Corine Boucraut-Baralon 4, Herman Egberink 5, Tadeusz Frymus 6, Tim Gruffydd-Jones 7, Katrin Hartmann 8, Margaret J Hosie 9, Albert Lloret 10, Hans Lutz 11, Fulvio Marsilio 12, Maria Grazia Pennisi 13, Alan D Radford 14, Uwe Truyen 15, Marian C Horzinek 16
PMCID: PMC7129359  PMID: 19481034

Abstract

Overview Feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV), is an upper respiratory tract disease that is often associated with feline calicivirus and bacteria. In most cats, FHV remains latent after recovery, and they become lifelong virus carriers. Stress or corticosteroid treatment may lead to virus reactivation and shedding in oronasal and conjunctival secretions.

Infection Sick cats shed FHV in oral, nasal and conjunctival secretions; shedding may last for 3 weeks. Infection requires direct contact with a shedding cat.

Disease signs Feline herpesvirus infections cause acute rhinitis and conjunctivitis, usually accompanied by fever, depression and anorexia. Affected cats may also develop typical ulcerative, dendritic keratitis.

Diagnosis Samples consist of conjunctival, corneal or oropharyngeal swabs, corneal scrapings or biopsies. It is not recommended that cats recently vaccinated with a modified-live virus vaccine are sampled. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as they may be produced by low-level shedding or viral latency.

Disease management ‘Tender loving care’ from the owner, supportive therapy and good nursing are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed blended, highly palatable food - warmed up if required. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may offer relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Topical antiviral drugs may be used for the treatment of acute FHV ocular disease. The virus is labile and susceptible to most disinfectants, antiseptics and detergents.

Contributor Information

Etienne Thiry,    Etienne.thiry@ulg.ac.be.

Diane Addie,  .

Sándor Belák,  .

Corine Boucraut-Baralon,  .

Herman Egberink,  .

Tadeusz Frymus,  .

Tim Gruffydd-Jones,  .

Katrin Hartmann,  .

Margaret J Hosie,  .

Albert Lloret,  .

Hans Lutz,  .

Fulvio Marsilio,  .

Maria Grazia Pennisi,  .

Alan D Radford,  .

Uwe Truyen,  .

Marian C Horzinek,  .

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