DM2 Pt1-6 Other Viruses

Question 1

What causes avian influenza in birds?

Answer 1

Avian influenza is caused by a type A influenza virus, specifically the H5N1 subtype.

Question 2

How does the severity of avian influenza infection in birds vary?

Answer 2

It can range from mild disease with little mortality to highly fatal, rapidly spreading epidemics (highly pathogenic avian influenza).

Question 3

How can cats become infected with avian influenza?

Answer 3

Cats can be infected via the respiratory or oral routes, such as by eating infected birds.

Question 4

What conditions increase the risk of avian influenza infection in cats?

Answer 4

Cats are at risk if they live in an area with confirmed H5N1 infection in birds, have outdoor access near waterfowl or poultry, or contact infected cats.

Question 5

What are some clinical signs of avian influenza infection in cats?

Answer 5

Fever, lethargy, dyspnoea, conjunctivitis, rapid death, and neurological signs like circling or ataxia.

Question 6

What diagnostic steps should be taken if avian influenza is suspected in a cat?

Answer 6

Oropharyngeal, nasal, rectal swabs, or faecal samples should be submitted for PCR and/or virus isolation. Post-mortem samples from lungs and lymph nodes should be obtained.

Question 7

How should suspected cases of H5N1 in cats be managed?

Answer 7

Cats should be kept in strict isolation, and the virus is sensitive to standard medical disinfectants.

Question 8

What statement did the World Health Organization make about H5N1 in cats?

Answer 8

There is no evidence that domestic cats play a role in the transmission cycle of H5N1, and no human cases have been linked to infected cats.

Question 9

What personal protective measures should veterinarians take when handling a suspected H5N1-infected cat?

Answer 9

Minimise contact with the cat, wear gloves, masks, protective eyewear, avoid saliva and secretions, and sedate the cat before collecting samples.

Question 10

How should veterinary staff and practice animals be protected from an H5N1-infected cat?

Answer 10

The cat should be kept in isolation in a cage at the veterinary clinic.

Question 11

What should owners do to protect themselves from a suspected H5N1-infected cat?

Answer 11

Confine the cat to a separate room, minimise contact, disinfect litter trays and bowls, and clean rooms the cat accessed before the clinic visit.

Question 12

What virus causes rabies in cats?

Answer 12

Rabies is caused by a virus from the genus Lyssavirus.

Question 13

How is rabies virus inactivated?

Answer 13

Rabies virus is easily inactivated by detergent-based disinfectants.

Question 14

What is the source of rabies infection in cats?

Answer 14

Rabid animals are the only source of infection, and the virus is shed in saliva before clinical signs appear.

Question 15

How is rabies virus transmitted?

Answer 15

Rabies is transmitted through a bite, scratch, or contact with mucous membranes.

Question 16

What is the average incubation period for rabies in cats?

Answer 16

The average incubation period is 2 months but can vary from 2 weeks to several months or years.

Question 17

What are the two disease manifestations of rabies in cats?

Answer 17

The two forms are the furious form and the dumb form.

Question 18

Which form of rabies is more common in cats?

Answer 18

Nearly all rabid cats (90%) show the furious form.

Question 19

How long is the clinical course of rabies in cats before death occurs?

Answer 19

Death occurs within 1–10 days after clinical signs appear.

Question 20

How is a definitive diagnosis of rabies made?

Answer 20

A definitive diagnosis is made by post-mortem laboratory investigation.

Question 21

Is post-exposure rabies vaccination of cats allowed?

Answer 21

Post-exposure vaccination is forbidden in many countries and depends on national regulations.

Question 22

When is rabies vaccination considered a core vaccine?

Answer 22

Rabies vaccination is a core vaccine in countries with endemic rabies and is a legal obligation in many places.

Question 23

Why is rabies vaccination important for cats traveling internationally?

Answer 23

Cats traveling to countries with rabies (e.g., Europe from the UK) must be vaccinated as per international regulations.

Question 24

What is a concern related to rabies vaccination in cats?

Answer 24

There is concern about vaccine-induced sarcomas related to rabies vaccination.

Question 25

What are papillomaviruses, and how do they affect cats?

Answer 25

Papillomaviruses are epitheliotropic and cause cutaneous lesions in cats and other animals.

Question 26

How do cats most likely become infected with papillomaviruses?

Answer 26

Cats likely become infected through lesions or abrasions in the skin.

Question 27

What suggests cross-species transmission of papillomaviruses in cats?

Answer 27

Human and bovine-related papillomavirus sequences have been found in cats, suggesting cross-species transmission.

Question 28

What types of skin lesions are associated with feline papillomavirus infection?

Answer 28

Hyperkeratotic plaques, cutaneous fibropapillomas (feline sarcoids), cutaneous papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (ISCCs).

Question 29

How is papillomavirus-induced skin lesions diagnosed?

Answer 29

Diagnosis is made by detecting papillomavirus antigen in skin biopsies, using electron microscopy, or PCR.

Question 30

What treatment options exist for papillomavirus-induced skin lesions in cats?

Answer 30

Spontaneous regression might occur, and complete excision is recommended for ISCC cases.

Question 31

What species are commonly affected by cowpox virus?

Answer 31

Cowpox virus affects a wide range of species, including small rodents, cats, and humans.

Question 32

How do cats usually become infected with cowpox virus?

Answer 32

Cats become infected through contact with infected rodents.

Question 33

What are common sites for cowpox lesions in cats?

Answer 33

Lesions are commonly found on the head and paws.

Question 34

How do cowpox lesions progress in severe cases?

Answer 34

Severe cases can result in progressive proliferative ulcerations.

Question 35

Why are corticosteroids contraindicated in cowpox-infected cats?

Answer 35

Corticosteroids facilitate virus generalization and worsen the infection, especially in kittens and immunosuppressed cats.

Question 36

What diagnostic method is used to confirm cowpox virus infection in cats?

Answer 36

Diagnosis is made using PCR on biopsy or scab material.

Question 37

What is the zoonotic risk associated with cowpox virus?

Answer 37

Cowpox virus can infect humans, and owners of infected cats and pet rats should be informed of the zoonotic risk.