Mary Allen
As early as 1950, the responsible virus was isolated by the researchers Crandell and Maurer. But it was only years later that it was found that the pathogen belongs to the herpes virus family.
The virus, also known as FHV-1, consists of an envelope and a so-called capsid. This is a complex, regular protein structure that encloses the viral genome. The virus is only moderately stable. This means that at temperatures above 15 °C it loses its infectivity after just 24 hours. However, if it is very cold (4°C), the herpes virus can remain infectious for months. The envelope of the FHV-1 is necessary for infection. With a disinfectant or solvent, you can destroy this protective cover and thus also inactivate the pathogen.
Disease Origin And Development
A distinction is made between a primary form of FHV-1 infection and a chronic or latent form of the disease. First, the viruses attack the nasal mucous membranes, from there the infection spreads through the pharynx, the eyelid conjunctiva to the upper airways. The first symptoms, which can last up to two weeks, can already be observed after two days. After this primary phase, the animal recovers from the symptoms. However, many cats remain infected (latent form). This means that although the animals no longer show any symptoms, they can still infect other cats. Young kittens up to three months old and old cats in stressful situations are particularly susceptible to the feline herpes virus.
Clinical Picture – Symptoms
At first, infected cats show a cold. You sneeze, have nasal discharge, and inflamed conjunctiva. Over time, the nasal discharge becomes more mucous and purulent, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms usually go away on their own after about two weeks. However, sometimes the infection spreads to the oral cavity, pharynx, and lungs. This is then accompanied by high fever, loss of appetite and apathy. With such a course of the disease, the infection can even lead to death.
Forecast
Unfortunately, there are still no effective antiviral drugs against the feline herpes virus. Only the symptoms can be treated. Loving care and a lot of attention also contribute a lot to the quick recovery of the cat.
Prophylaxis
There is a vaccine against the feline herpes virus. Nowadays, almost without exception, vaccines are combined with other viral antigens and are injected either under the skin or into the muscle. But there are also vaccines that are dripped into the nose. Even as a young cat, the animal should be vaccinated against the FHV-1 virus as part of the basic immunization.