Rhinotracheitis
Feline
Upper Respiratory Disease
The
Disease
.....Sneezing and nasal discharge occur 2-6 days after exposure.
.....Transmission to other cats by direct contact or with respiratory
secretions.
.....2 viruses, Feline herpes virus (rhinotracheitis virus) and
Feline Calicivirus are responsible for the infection.
.....Clinical signs include sneezing, conjunctivitis, tracheitis,
ulcers in oral cavity and secondary bacterial pneumonia.
.....Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and history.
.....No treatment available but with supportive therapy the prognosis
is excellent.
.....Most recovered cats carry the virus for years so contact with
unvaccinated cats should be avoided.
.....The disease only affects cats.
The Vaccine
.....Vaccinate at 8, 12 and 16 weeks and once annually.
.....The vaccine has been very successful, but kittens may still
become infected after the drop in maternal antibody levels and before
vaccination.
.....The vaccine has been associated with some adverse reaction
in kittens 6-7 days post vaccination.
.....An inactivated vaccine is generally used.
.....The duration of immunity following vaccination is not known.
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