Cat Virus Strikes Wisconsin

[AlumniClub]

The Washington County Humane Society has been struck by a cat virus called calicivirus. Symptoms include oral ulcers, nose ulcers and upper respiratory infections. WCHS has suffered the loss of quite a few cats because of this.

Humans can pass the virus to cats even though we are not effected. A vaccine is available but many vets don't carry it. I called my vet this morning and they didn't have the vaccine, but were looking into its effectiveness because the WCHS cats may have a mutation.

Just want fellow cat lovers to be aware, and please post new info to this thread.

More articles:

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/8423572.html

http://www.jsonline.com/blog/?id=168

[pk]

Wow, can't believe I have not heard of this until you put this very interesting article(s) on! I will have to look into getting shots for our cats. They are so part of our family that I can't think what we would feel if something were to happen and we knew there was a shot that could help prevent this from spreading.

The only thing I am a bit confused about, one article states that humans can pass this along to cats. The video that you can watch also states that you could easily pick it up on your hand and carry it home by simply touching a door knob.

But yet in another aticle I found this:

Your cat is virtually at no risk if he or she has been kept indoors and away from other infected cats.

But I think just to be safe to wash your hands with soap and water before coming in contact with your house cat for sure.

Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.

pk

[CarolsCritterCare]

I had not heard of this until yesterday when I got a letter in the mail from my vet.

It reads

Dear Cat Owner
We have recently become aware of a serious viral outbreak at the Washington County Humane Society. This virus is a mutant strain of the Calicivirus that affects cats.

This virus is highly contagious and almost always fatal. It can be transmitted from cat to cat or even person to cat. It is possible to expose your cat if your hands or clothing bome in contact with an infected environment. Even a cat showing no symptoms can shed this virus into the environment. Clinical signs of the virus are discharge from the nose and ears, ulcers and skin loss on the face, feet and nose. Loss of appetite, depression, high fever, swelling of the face and legs, loss of organ function and ultimately death.

Your cat can be protected. A proven effective vaccine has been recently released. We are now offering this vacine at our clinic. Initally cats must be given 2 doses of the vaccine, 3 weeks apart. This vaccine will eventually be incorporated into our yearly vaccine recommendations for all cats.

Then it goes on to tell you to call and make an apt.
Carol

[pk]

I planned on looking into this. Thanks for the reminder. I have yet to read anything further on this subject. Maybe since we live so far from Washington County nothing has been mentioned here.

I am going to put it in an email and send it to everyone I know so the news can be spread around our area some.