Feline AI Flashcards
What treatment is an alternative to AZT due to the development of anti-IFN-α antibodies?
IFN-ω (Feline interferon)
What effect does IFN-ω have on viral replication?
Inhibits viral replication in vitro
What is the ideal protocol for IFN-ω treatment?
106IU/kg once daily for 5 consecutive days OR 106IU/kg once daily for 5 days repeated three times on days 0, 14 and 60 in FeLV/FIV coinfected cats
What is the relative efficacy of FeLV vaccines in preventing infection?
Subject to much debate
What is the relationship between artificial suppression of the immune system and vaccines?
Difficult to ascertain the actual effect of vaccines in a natural exposure environment
Can vaccination protect against FeLV infection in a natural exposure environment?
No, it is not considered safe to bring a naive cat into an endemically infected household
What is a concern associated with FeLV vaccination?
Development of vaccine associated sarcomas
If both Rabies and FeLV vaccines are being administered, where should they be given?
At distant sites and ideally on the extremities
What is FIV?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
How does FIV infection influence host cell function?
Integrates proviral DNA into the host cell DNA
What is the importance of the envelope gene (Env) in FIV?
Determines cell tropism and influences pathogenicity
How many subtypes of FIV are recognized?
Five (A-E)
Does infection with one subtype of FIV protect against infection with another subtype?
No, infection with one subtype does not protect against superinfection
What is the prevalence of FIV infection in feral cats?
Up to 47% in some groups of feral cats
What is the prevalence of FIV infection in healthy, owned cats?
Reported to be 2-5%
Which cats are more likely to be infected with FIV?
Adult cats are more likely to be infected than young cats
How is FIV primarily transmitted in natural circumstances?
Via inoculation of virus present in saliva or blood (cat fight wounds)
Is horizontal transmission of FIV in multi-cat households common?
Generally considered to be an infrequent event
Can FIV DNA positive cats but antibody-negative cats remain asymptomatic?
Yes, FIV DNA positive cats can remain asymptomatic
What are the three clinical stages of FIV infection?
The acute phase, a clinically asymptomatic phase, and a terminal phase of infection
What is the predictive value of a positive result in a disease with low prevalence?
The predictive value of a positive result is approximately a third or low.
Why should positive results in a disease with low prevalence be confirmed with a secondary test?
Positive results should be confirmed with a secondary test due to the low positive predictive value.
What can be revealed through thoracic imaging in relation to FIP?
Thoracic imaging may reveal pleural fluid.
What can be revealed through abdominal radiographs in relation to FIP?
Abdominal radiographs may reveal effusion, renomegaly, or hepatomegaly.
How can ultrasonography be useful in diagnosing FIP?
Ultrasonography can help identify pericardial, pleural, or peritoneal effusion and aid centesis.
What can ultrasonography help identify in non-effusive/granulomatous disease?
Ultrasonography can help identify mass lesions.
What do lesions identified through ultrasonography indicate in relation to FIP?
Lesions identified through ultrasonography are not diagnostic of FIP.
When is advanced imaging like CT or MRI used in FIP cases?
Advanced imaging may be performed if neurological signs are present or to rule out other causes.
What inflammatory changes can be seen in imaging if FIP is present?
Inflammatory changes, such as ventricular dilation and ependymal enhancement, can be seen in imaging if FIP is present.
What does a negative titre in serum antibody tests for FIP indicate?
A negative titre does not rule out the presence of FIP.
What effect can large amounts of virus within a sample have on antibody tests for FIP?
Large amounts of virus within a sample can result in false-negative results or reduced titres in antibody tests for FIP.
What can PCR testing assess in relation to FIP?
PCR testing can assess the presence of FCoV RNA within samples.
Why is PCR testing theoretically considered superior to serology for FIP detection?
PCR testing detects the virus itself, while serology detects the immune response to the virus.
What is the limitation of PCR testing in differentiating FCoV RNA?
PCR testing cannot differentiate mutated from non-mutated FCoV RNA.
Why are serology tests preferred over PCR tests for FIP diagnosis?
Serology tests have reported higher sensitivity and specificity compared to PCR tests for FIP.
What is alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) used for in FIP diagnostics?
AGP levels can indicate infectious or inflammatory conditions, although it is non-specific.
When do AGP levels rise in a cattery with FIP outbreak?
AGP levels rise just prior to an outbreak of FIP in a cattery.
What is the typical appearance of effusive FIP fluid?
Effusive FIP fluid is typically clear to slightly cloudy, straw colored, and mucinous in character.
What substances are typically found in high concentrations in effusive FIP fluid?
Effusive FIP fluid typically has a high protein content (>35g/l).
What cell types are predominantly present in the effusion of FIP cases?
Macrophages and neutrophils are predominantly present in the effusion of FIP cases.
Are elevated antibody levels within effusion a reliable diagnostic indicator for FIP?
Presence of antibodies in the effusion has a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 85% for FIP.
How is the Rivalta test performed on effusion?
The Rivalta test involves layering the effusion onto a solution of distilled water and acetic acid (98%).
How is the Rivalta test interpreted for FIP diagnosis?
If the effusion drop maintains its shape and either stays on the surface or slowly floats to the bottom, the test is positive for FIP.
What population of cats is best suited for using this test?
Population of cats with high disease prevalence i.e. cats under 2 years of age, from multi-cat households, with signs consistent with FIP.
What are some biochemical abnormalities that can be present in cats with FIP?
Hyperbilirubinaemia, urea, creatinine and occasionally liver enzymes can be increased.
What is the role of sensitivity in a diagnostic test?
Sensitivity determines the number of animals with the disease who test positive (true positives).
How is specificity defined in a diagnostic test?
Specificity is determined by the number of animals without the disease who test negative (true negatives).
What is the positive predictive value of a diagnostic test?
The positive predictive value is high if the disease prevalence is high.
How does disease prevalence affect the positive predictive value?
High disease prevalence leads to high positive predictive value.
What does a negative test result indicate in a low-risk patient?
A negative test result indicates that the patient is unlikely to have the disease.
What is the relationship between prevalence and negative predictive value?
Negative predictive value is low when prevalence is high and high when prevalence is low.
What is the effect of low prevalence on positive predictive value?
Positive predictive value is low when prevalence is low.
What is the false negative rate?
The false negative rate is the number of false negatives in a test with high sensitivity.
What is the false positive rate?
The false positive rate is the number of false positives in a test with low specificity.
How many cases of disease would be missed in 100 true cases with a sensitivity of 98%?
2 cases would be missed.
How many false positives would be expected in a screening test with 1% prevalence and a sensitivity and specificity of 98%?
2 false positives would be expected.
What does a positive test result indicate in a high-risk patient?
A positive test result indicates the presence of disease in a high-risk patient.
What is the likely interpretation of a positive test result in a low-risk patient?
A positive test result is not very reassuring in a low-risk patient, as the positive predictive value will be low.
What is the recommended number of cats to keep in a stable group?
3-4 cats
What is the maximum number of cats that should be kept in a domestic residence without purpose-built cat accommodation?
8-10 cats
What is the recommended number of litter boxes per two cats in a household?
One box
How often should soiled cat litter be removed?
Daily
How often should litter boxes be cleaned with disinfectant?
Once a week
What should be used to clean the litter boxes?
A suitable disinfectant
What should be cleaned daily in the feeding area?
Feed bowls
What should be done with areas of the cat accommodation regularly to reduce virus buildup?
Cleaned
What are some examples of organic matter that should be reduced in cat accommodation?
Faeces, fur, spilt food
What should people with >10 cats or new kittens consider having dedicated to each group of cats?
Shoes and overalls
What should be done between dealing with each group of cats?
Hands should be disinfected
What is one of the stress factors that predispose cats to the development of FIP?
Concurrent disease
Why is it necessary to enforce quarantine procedures and practice barrier nursing?
To expose as few cats as possible to infectious agents
How long should new cats be quarantined in isolation before being introduced to a cattery?
Three weeks
What should be tested for during the quarantine period of new cats?
FCoV, FeLV, and FIV
What should be suggested for a cattery with recurrent FIP cases?
To be closed to new cats for six months
What is recommended to halt breeding in a cattery with recurrent FIP cases?
Suggested to halt breeding
What are the clinical signs of wet FIP?
The clinical signs of wet FIP include lethargy, failure to thrive, inappetence, weight loss, and fluctuating pyrexia.
Where does effusion commonly occur in cats with wet FIP?
Effusion commonly occurs within the peritoneal cavity in 58% of cases.
What are the ocular and/or neurological signs seen in FIP?
Ocular and/or neurological signs may be evident in some cats with FIP.
What are the typical ocular lesions seen in cats with non-effusive FIP?
Typical ocular lesions include uveitis, keratic precipitates, aqueous flare, and retinal changes.
What are the manifestations of FIP affecting the brain or spinal cord?
Manifestations include hyperaesthesia, abnormal mental status, abnormal behavior, cranial nerve deficits, ataxia, nystagmus, and seizures.
What abnormalities can be seen in the haematology of cats with FIP?
Abnormalities can include low-grade anemia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia.
What serum biochemistry findings are associated with FIP?
FIP may show an elevated total protein, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia.
Which serum test demonstrated better diagnostic utility for FIP?
The albumin to globulin ratio demonstrated better diagnostic utility.
What is the prevalence of lymphopenia in cats with FIP?
Lymphopenia occurred around 2 weeks post infection in cats with effusive FIP.
What are the two serotypes of Feline Coronavirus in cats?
Type I Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) and type II FCoV.
What is the difference in disease outcomes between infection with type I and type II Feline Coronavirus?
Infection with either serotype can result in either a mild enteric disease or a virulent form of disease, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
What is the percentage of the general UK cat population with evidence of prior exposure to FCoV?
Up to 40%.
In which situations does the figure of prior exposure to FCoV often approach 90%?
In catteries and multi-cat households.
How do FCoVs mainly spread among cats?
Primarily via faecal-oral infection, but it can occasionally be shed in respiratory secretions as well.
From when can viral shedding of FCoV occur in the faeces?
From 1-week post infection.
How long can viral shedding in the faeces continue for?
For 18 months (or longer).
How do cats usually demonstrate shedding of FCoV in periods?
Continuous shedding for the first 4-6 months, followed by intermittent shedding.
What is the incidence of FIP in the general cat population?
Probably <1%.
In which type of households can up to 10% of cats die from FIP?
Larger multi-cat households.
What kind of virus is Coronavirus?
A large positive-stranded RNA virus.
What is the result of the virus’s inability to proof-read as it multiplies?
Readily mutates, leading to the development of quasispecies.
Which open reading frame (ORF) deletions have been linked to alterations in pathogenicity?
7b ORF deletion suggested to decrease pathogenicity, while 3c ORF deletion may increase pathogenicity.
What triggers the development of FIP within an individual is not yet known, but what are two theories?
Minor de novo mutations within the virus or presence of other factors such as a high dose of virus, genetic susceptibility, or exposure to factors.
What are the learning objectives for this module?
- Explain the pathophysiology of feline infectious peritonitis and coronavirus infections
- Recognise the clinical signs associated with feline coronavirus and we and dry feline infectious peritonitis
- Discuss the different diagnostic tests, their validity and how to confirm a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis
- Discuss the treatment options for FIP
- Identify the ways in which Feline Coronavirus exposure can be minimized
- Explain the role of FCoV vaccination
- Discuss the clinical signs and diseases associated with FeLV and FIV infections
- Explain the different tests and validity of results for FeLV and FIV
- Recognize which cars are at risk and where vaccination for these infections should be used
What are the clinical signs during the acute phase of FIV infection?
Clinical signs during the acute phase of FIV infection can include lethargy, pyrexia, stomatitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, respiratory tract disease, or generalised lymphadenopathy.
How long can the asymptomatic phase of FIV infection last?
The asymptomatic phase of FIV infection can last for a prolonged period of time, with reported periods of up to 8 years.
What clinical signs are associated with the terminal phase of FIV infection?
The terminal phase of FIV infection is marked by clinical signs associated with opportunistic infections, neoplasia, myelosuppression, and neurological disease.
What are the concurrent infections reported with FIV infection?
Concurrent infections reported with FIV infection include FeLV, FCV, FeSFV, Poxvirus, Papilloma virus, Haemotrophic mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma infections, Dermatophytes, Cryptococcus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidium.
What neoplasms are associated with FIV infection?
Neoplasms associated with FIV infection include lymphomas, leukaemias, myeloproliferative diseases, squamous cell carcinomas, mammary gland adenomas, mast cell tumours, and bronchoalveolar carcinomas.
What are the reported neurological signs in FIV positive cats?
Reported neurological signs in FIV positive cats include behavioural changes, seizures, paresis, multifocal motor abnormalities, impaired learning, and disrupted sleep patterns.
What is FIV related wasting syndrome?
FIV related wasting syndrome is a terminal wasting syndrome occurring 6-8 weeks post-inoculation with certain strains of FIV.
What factors influence the outcome following inoculation with FIV virus?
The outcome following inoculation with FIV virus is influenced by factors such as the age of the cat, properties of the viral isolate, route of infection, viral load, and association with cells or free virus.
In which organs does viral replication take place during FIV infection?
Viral replication takes place in macrophage-rich organs such as the thymus, spleen, or lymph nodes during FIV infection.
What happens to CD4+ cells in the immune system during FIV infection?
During FIV infection, CD4+ cells in the immune system decrease in number and proportion, leading to immune dysfunction.
What are the three theories on why cats succumb to FIP?
The three theories are compromised immune system, overwhelmed immune system by viral quasispecies, and a combination of immune system strength, viral strain, and replication rate.
What factors determine an individual cat’s response to FCoV infection?
An individual cat’s response is determined by the strength of its immune system, the nature of the viral strain, and the rate of viral replication within the cat’s macrophages.
What are the potential factors involved in the development of FIP?
Host response, environmental factors, and the presence of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) in monocytes and phagocyte rich organs may be involved.
Which cats are most commonly affected by FIP?
Cats with poor immunity, such as young or very old cats, cats with immunosuppressive diseases, or stressed cats (e.g. due to overcrowding or re-homing) are most commonly affected.
Which cat breeds are more likely to develop FIP?
Persian, Birman, Siamese, Burmese, and possibly Bengal cats are more likely to develop FIP.
What is the role of the cat’s initial immune response in FIP?
The type and strength of the cat’s initial immune response determine the outcome of the infection, with strong immune responses containing the virus, weak cell mediated immunity leading to the wet form of FIP, and partial cell mediated immunity leading to the dry form.
How does FIP cause disease?
FIP causes disease by inducing an immune-mediated vasculitis, leading to inflammation of blood vessels, accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages, increased vascular permeability, and leakage of protein-rich plasma (wet FIP) or development of pyogranulomatous nodules (dry FIP).
What are the clinical signs and lesions associated with FIP?
Clinical signs include fluid accumulation in the peritoneal and/or pleural cavities (wet FIP), small focal lesions in various organs, involvement of the eyes, and potential central nervous system involvement.
How is FIP usually diagnosed?
FIP is usually diagnosed based on the clinical signs, multi-cat household history, and a preceding stressful experience.
What is the purpose of confirmatory tests in the context of the disease?
To validate the results of the screening test and confirm the presence of the disease.
What does a positive result in Direct Fluorescent Antibody Testing indicate?
It indicates the presence of viral infection but does not provide information about current illness or predict mortality or morbidity.
What does PCR detect in the context of viral infections?
PCR detects viral nucleic acid sequences, including proviral DNA integrated into the cellular genome.
What is the significance of discordant results in ELISA testing?
If 2 ELISA tests vary, performing direct FA can help determine persistent viraemia and true positive status.
What should be done in the case of negative FeLV results in cats under 12 weeks of age?
Retesting should be done in 4-6 weeks to ensure accuracy of the initial negative result.
What should be done if a cat has a negative ELISA but a positive direct FA for FeLV?
Repeat the assay in 6-8 weeks to determine if the positive result is a false positive on ELISA.
What is the recommended course of action if a cat has a positive ELISA and direct FA for FeLV?
It suggests a very low likelihood of transient viraemia and most likely indicates persistently infected status.
What is the recommended management of FeLV-infected cats in a household?
All cats in the household should be tested, and infected cats should be isolated or separated from other cats. Vaccination and separate feeding bowls are advised.
What precautions should be taken when introducing new cats to a household with FeLV-infected cats?
New cats should not be introduced to avoid the risk of infection to them and to protect the existing cats.
Is there a known treatment for FeLV infection?
No, there is no known treatment for FeLV infection.
What is the role of antiviral therapy in FeLV treatment?
Antivirals have not been very effective in eliminating the virus in vivo due to toxic doses required. AZT showed limited efficacy if initiated early.
What has been shown to inhibit in vitro replication of FeLV?
Interferon-α has been shown to inhibit in vitro replication of FeLV.
What is the purpose of the Rivalta test?
To determine the protein content in fluid when full testing is not possible.
What was the sensitivity and specificity of the Rivalta test reported in one study?
Sensitivity of 91.3% and specificity of 65.5%
What factors can alter the significance of a positive Rivalta test result?
Disease prevalence and the cat’s background.
What is required for a definitive diagnosis of FIP using immunohistochemistry?
Demonstration of virus infected macrophages within tissue sections.
What is the diagnostic sensitivity of Tru-cut biopsies in diagnosing FIP?
64% for liver and 39% for kidney.
What is the diagnostic sensitivity of fine needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB) in diagnosing FIP?
82% for liver and 42% for kidney.
What is the purpose of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) testing in FIP diagnosis?
To detect the virus within macrophages in effusion specimens.
What is the reported specificity of DIF testing?
100%
What are some possible reasons for false positive results in DIF testing?
Sample contamination or incubation of FIP without clinical onset.
When is exploratory laparotomy with biopsy of lesions and immunohistochemistry recommended for FIP diagnosis?
When a definitive diagnosis is desired or when clinical signs are atypical.
What is the recommended treatment for FIP?
Symptomatic therapy, immune modulation, and anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant agents.
Why should caution be applied when interpreting treatment protocols for FIP?
FIP is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
What kind of diseases prompted the emergence of treatment protocols for FIP?
Exotic diseases such as Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and severe acute respiratory syndrome.
What is FIP?
FIP is a feline infectious disease caused by a coronavirus.
How can one reduce the risk of FIP?
Breeding from less susceptible stock and implementing an isolation breeding and early weaning policy.
What is the recommended age for removing kittens from their mother to prevent FIP?
Kittens should be removed from their mother at 5-6 weeks of age.
What is the survival time of FCoV in dry conditions?
FCoV can survive for 7 weeks in dry conditions.
How can FCoV be inactivated?
FCoV can be inactivated by using detergents, including a 1:32 dilution of bleach.
What should be done in a single cat household after an FIP diagnosis?
Clean all surfaces thoroughly, wait for 3 months before getting another (unrelated) cat, and ideally provide outside access.
What is the risk of developing FIP for cats in a multicat household?
The risk is low unless the cats are stressed (approximately 1%), but higher in young/old cats or genetically related cats (approximately 5%).
What was the initial identification of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) based on?
The identification was based on virus particles budding from lymphoblasts in a cat with lymphoma.
What was the estimated impact of FeLV infection on cancer-related deaths in cats?
At its peak, FeLV was estimated to be responsible for approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths in cats.
What type of virus is FeLV?
FeLV is a γ retrovirus.
Why should the potential disadvantages of vaccination be balanced against its benefits in affected cats?
To assess the overall impact of vaccination on immune function in cats.
What subtypes does the commercially available FIV vaccine target?
Subtypes A & D.
Does the FIV vaccine provide 100% protection against infection?
No, it does not provide 100% protection.
Does the FIV vaccine provide cross-subtype protection?
No, it only provides limited protection against subtypes A & D.
Can vaccinated cats still become infected with other FIV subtypes?
Yes, they can still become infected with other subtypes.
Do vaccinated cats still require testing for FIV infection?
Yes, they still require testing for FIV infection.
How do vaccinated cats produce antibodies similar to those produced by natural infection?
They respond to immunisation by producing antibodies that are indistinguishable.
What are the possible methodologies to assess FIV infection in vaccinated cats?
ELISA’s, Western blot, or Immunofluorescent antibody testing.
What happens when nursing kittens receive antibodies via colostrum from vaccinated mothers?
They can also test positive for FIV.
How can positive results in nursing kittens be confirmed?
Using either FIV PCR or viral isolation.
What are some proposed mechanisms for age-related resistance in cats?
Maturation of macrophage function is one proposed mechanism for age-related resistance.
Is age-related resistance an absolute phenomenon?
No, there is an increased rate of viraemia in cats housed in endemically infected environments.
What is the risk of an adult cat becoming persistently infected after one short contact with a viraemic cat?
The risk is very low.
How does FeLV infection most commonly occur?
FeLV infection most commonly occurs via the oronasal route.
What happens when FeLV replicates in local lymphoid tissue?
In many cats, virus replication is halted by cell mediated immunity and the virus is eliminated from the body.
What are regressor cats?
Regressor cats are cats in which the virus never spreads systemically and they have a high level of neutralising antibodies and build a good level of immunity.
What are some clinical signs of the initial viraemic period in cats?
Lethargy, pyrexia, and lymphadenopathy can be clinical signs of the initial viraemic period.
How long does the transient viraemia typically last in cats?
The transient viraemia typically lasts for 3-6 weeks.
What happens in cats with bone marrow involvement during FeLV infection?
Haematopoietic precursor cells produce infected granulocytes and platelets, leading to a high level of viraemia.
What are latently infected cats?
Latently infected cats are cats that have cleared viraemia but still have the virus in their bone marrow.
What is the name of the drug that was shown to be effective against epidemic and zoonotic coronaviruses?
GS-5734
What is the parent nucleoside of GS-5734?
GS-441524
What is the mechanism of action of GS-5734 and GS-441524 against FIPV?
They act as an alternative substrate and RNA-chain terminator of viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase.
What were the findings of the trial conducted on 10 laboratory cats with experimentally induced abdominal effusive FIP?
Rapid reversal of clinical signs and return to normality within 2 weeks of treatment
What is the dose and duration of treatment in the trial assessing the efficacy of GS-441524 in the treatment of naturally occurring FIP?
2.0mg/kg s/c for 12 weeks
Are there currently commercially available treatments for FIP?
No
Why is the use of GS-441524 and GC-374 for FIP treatment considered technically illegal?
Because they are being marketed and used without proper authorization
What might be a potential issue with the black-market sales of GS-441524 and GC-374?
The biological activity and purity of these preparations is not tested, so their efficacy may not be equivalent to that in the peer-reviewed literature
What is Primucell FIP?
It is a vaccine against FIP
Where is Primucell FIP currently available?
Throughout much of Europe and North America
What is the mode of administration for Primucell FIP vaccine?
It is intranasal
What is the controversy surrounding the use of Primucell FIP vaccine?
It has caused accelerated disease in certain circumstances and should not be given to cats with FCoV antibodies
What is the protection rate of Primucell FIP vaccine in field trials?
0-80%
What is the structure of the virus that causes FeLV?
Protein core with single-stranded RNA protected by an envelope.
Where can the FeLV virus replicate in the cat’s body?
In many tissues including bone marrow, salivary glands, and respiratory epithelium.
What enzyme is used by the FeLV virus to transcribe its RNA into DNA?
Reverse transcriptase (RT).
What happens to the viral DNA once it is transcribed from RNA?
It is inserted randomly into the host DNA.
Which subgroup of FeLV is infectious and transmissible from cat to cat?
FeLV-A.
What can increase the pathogenicity of subgroup A FeLV infection?
Mutation and recombination of the virus with cellular genes or endogenous retroviral genes.
What is the primary route of FeLV transmission between cats?
Through close contact, primarily through the saliva.
Apart from saliva, what are other potential routes of FeLV infection in cats?
Iatrogenic infection, fleas, and vertical transmission from queens to kittens.
What is the prevalence of FeLV infection in healthy cats?
Reported to be between 1% and 8%.
What factor has contributed to the decrease in FeLV prevalence?
An effective removal and isolation policy introduced in catteries and shelters.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioner (AAFP) and the Academy of Feline Medicine Advisory Panel Report, what is the recommendation regarding the use of the FIP vaccine?
The vaccine does not induce clinically relevant protection, so its use is not recommended.
How can the spread of FIP in cats be controlled?
One way is to eradicate FCoV infection by testing cats every 3-6 months and separating them into negative and positive groups.
How long does it typically take for cats in closed households to eliminate FCoV infection?
It may take months to years for cats in closed households to stop shedding the virus and their antibody titres to decline towards zero.
