Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (FHV-1) Key Facts
Apr 24, 2025
1. Overview
Pathogen: Alphaherpesvirus (highly contagious).
Primary Disease: Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR).
Target: Domestic and wild cats; no zoonotic risk.
2. Transmission
Routes: Direct contact (saliva, nasal/ocular secretions), fomites, aerosols.
Latency: Virus persists in trigeminal ganglia; reactivates under stress/immunosuppression.
3. Clinical Signs
Acute: Sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, fever, lethargy.
Chronic: Recurrent ocular disease, keratitis.
4. Prevention
Vaccination: Core vaccine (modified-live or inactivated) are recommended; reduces severity but doesn' t prevent latency.
Hygiene: Regularly clean your home with bleach or pet-safe disinfectants, especially in multi-cat households.
5. Prognosis
Most cats recover with proper treatment, but some may become chronic carriers requiring lifelong management.
Note: Stress reduction is critical to minimize reactivation in carriers.
