Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1). This disease is most often characterized by a cat with red eyes and respiratory discharge. Unfortunately, no treatment exists to cure a herpesvirus and infected cats will be infected for life. This is why it is particularly important to put in place preventive measures with our cats in order to prevent them from coming into contact with this virus.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1). Also called Herpetoviruses, herpesviruses are large viruses with a cubic capsule and surrounded by a protein envelope, carrying spicules. This envelope ultimately makes them relatively resistant to the outside environment. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is specific to cats which cannot infect other species.

Often the Herpesvirus type 1 intervenes with other pathogens, and is partially responsible for the cat’s cold sore. This virus is therefore particularly studied in fundamental research, because it constitutes a model of synergy between viruses and other infectious agents such as bacteria, which will then be responsible for complications. In a state of general weakness, this virus can also be associated with a Pasteurelle and thus cause a serious secondary infection.

The first symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 days after infection with the virus. Feline herpesvirosis or feline viral rhinotracheitis is most often characterized by a cat with red eyes and showing discharge, that is to say, it has a congested respiratory system. Sometimes herpesvirus type 1 works synergistically with a calicivirus and bacteria to cause coryza syndrome in cats.

At the cellular level, type 1 herpesvirus will penetrate and multiply within cells of the cat’s respiratory system. The cells thus contaminated will swell and round. They end up grouping together in clusters and then detach themselves from the rest of the other cells, which reveals areas of cell lysis. From a macroscopic point of view, these areas of lysis will be manifested by the appearance of ulcers and discharge in the respiratory system of the cat.

In addition to these fairly specific symptoms, we often observe in animals the presence of fever associated with respiratory symptoms: congestion of the mucous membranes, ulcers, serous or purulent secretions. Sometimes superinfection occurs, which can then be the cause of conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis.

The cat then seems tired, downcast. He loses his appetite and becomes dehydrated. Indeed, the sense of smell plays a very important role in the diet of the cat, it is not rare that a feline viral rhinotracheitis deprives it of smell and therefore of appetite. Finally, the cat will cough and sneeze to try to evacuate what is obstructing him at the respiratory level.

For pregnant females, herpesvirus type 1 infection can be dangerous because the virus could be transmitted to the fetus, leading to abortions or the birth of stillborn kittens.

The clinical diagnosis of a viral rhinotracheitis is often quite complex and it is difficult to know precisely the origin of the respiratory symptoms of the animal. In fact, none of the symptoms caused by type 1 herpesvirus are specific to it. Also the mere presence of a cat showing depression and respiratory symptoms is not sufficient to conclude an infection by FeHV-1.

To know precisely the agent responsible for the disease, it is often essential to go through an experimental diagnosis. A swab is taken from nasal or tracheal secretions and sent to the laboratory. The latter can then demonstrate the presence of type 1 herpesvirus by serology or by means of an ELISA test.

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for Herpesviruses. Herpesviruses are important from a medical point of view because they are the “model” virus for latent infection. Indeed, it is never cured, the virus is never purified from the body. It can then be reactivated at any time, in the event of stress or a change in the animal’s living conditions. The only possibility is to limit the onset of symptoms as well as the reactivation of the virus through vaccination and limiting stress.

When a cat presents with feline viral rhinotracheitis, the veterinarian will then set up a supportive treatment in order to refuel the animal and help it get better. In addition, antibiotic treatment will be added to fight against secondary infections.

Again, it’s important to prevent infection by working on protecting animals before they catch the virus. When an animal is sick, it can infect other cats. It is therefore important to isolate it from the group and put it in quarantine. You should also be wary of cats, which may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus. In these cases, without showing symptoms, they may intermittently shed the virus without being noticed. It is these asymptomatic cats that pose the greatest risk to a group of cats, as they can infect a large number of individuals.

It is also advisable for breeders or owners of large numbers of cats to have the serological status of all animals checked before they enter a group. Cats which are then seropositive to FeHV-1 should not be put in contact with others.

For infected cats, stress should be minimized to avoid reactivation of the virus and disease. Standard hygiene measures must be observed. The immunity of these animals can also be enhanced by vaccination, but this is ineffective because the virus is not eliminated. On the other hand, vaccination is interesting to protect the healthy animal. Indeed, it prevents contamination for the herpesvirus and therefore it prevents the cat from developing feline viral rhinotracheitis.

Herpesviruses are enveloped viruses. This envelope makes them fragile in the external environment. They are resistant when it is cold and they are packed in organic matter. But disappear quite quickly in hot environments. This relative fragility also means that they need close contact between a healthy cat and a sick cat to be transmitted. They remain sensitive to disinfectants and antiseptics usually used: 70 ° alcohol, bleach, etc.