CPD ACCREDITED ARTICLE
9 . Which one of the following statements is INCOR- RECT ? a . False negatives occur frequently with PCR in blood b . Routine PCR can distinguish between FCoV and
FIPV c . Serum electrophoresis generally shows a polyclonal or even a monoclonal gammopathy , but is not specific for FIP d . Acute phase proteins are elevated in cats with FIP – but are also once again , non specific . e . AGP ( alpha 1 – acid-glycoprotein ) is elevated to a greater degree in cats with FIP versus cats with
other causes of systemic inflammation
10 . A problem with FIP in a cattery can be managed by doing which one of the following ?: a . Testing the blood of all the cats for FCoV titres b . Doing PCR on blood of all the cats c . Doing PCR of the faeces of all the cats to detect shedders , and separating . d . Euthanasing cats who are positive shedders e . Doing electrophoresis to check for acute phase proteins in all the cats
Management of FIP in
High Density Households and Catteries
Breeding catteries are high risk environments and FCoV is endemic in many or most . The virus is transmitted primarily via the faecal-oral route and thus hygiene is most important . Corona virus is maintained by continued cycles of infection and re-infection . Young cats are predominantly infected - 40 % of infections occur in cats 6m-2yrs old . The incidence of FIP is < 4 % if cats are older than 3 years .
The virus can stay viable for long periods in the cat litter . Gross and microscopic litter dust contains high numbers of virus particles . Cats contaminate their paws and fur as they use the litter box and then ingest virus particles when they groom themselves . Cats with an indoor outdoor lifestyle seldom get FIP . The risk of transmission is reduced if smaller groups of cats , ≤ 3 , are kept per room , have separate airflow , and have outdoor access to bury their faeces .
Faecal shedding : Attempts to control viral spread by segregation of faecal shedders and non-shedders has been suggested - but is still controversial .
• Faecal PCR is used to determine if the cat is shedding FCoV and non-shedders and shedders are separated .
• Shedders will be retested after 3 months as most natural infections will stop shedding after this time .
• 15 % of cats are persistent shedders and these will need to be permanently separated .
• Cats with immunosuppressive conditions or other illness shed more virus for longer :
• FIV : Shedding is 100X increased , and duration is prolonged .
• FeLV : Proportion of cats become persistent shedders .
• Stressed individuals = susceptible individuals .
• Shelter environment amplifies shedding massively ( 10 6 ) due to stress .
• Sick animals and kittens shed higher levels .
• The primary stage of infection lasts 7-18 months - when shedding is at the highest levels .
Prevention of infection of Kittens : Kittens typically develop FIP signs post weaning and after rehoming .
Isolation and early weaning : Most kittens are protected from FCoV infection from maternal derived immunity after until they are 5-6 weeks of age . Separating the queen from other cats and removing their kittens to a clean environment at 5-6 weeks of age will help prevent transmission . Good hygiene is essential to prevent transmission of viruses on food and litter items and clothing .
References :
Addie D , Belák S , Boucraut-Baralon C , et al . Feline Infectious Peritonitis : ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management . Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery . 2009 ; 11:594-604 .
vet360 www . abcdcatsvets . org
Upon a joint initiative of veterinary clinicians , scientists and an industry sponsor , the Advisory Board on Cat Diseases ( ABCD ) has been constituted . Its objectives are to establish a rational base for vaccine use in the cat and to publish its conclusions for the companion animal practitioners ’ scene . It it achieving this goal by organising conventions , at which specific issues are scheduled , discussed and agreed upon . The objective is to define a code of practice that
Issue 03 | JUNE reflects 2016 | 20 the present state of vaccinological knowledge .