Feline rabies. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management

Frymus, T. et al. (2009) Feline rabies. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(7), pp. 585-593. (doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.007)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.007

Abstract

<b>OVERVIEW</b>: Rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, together with European bat lyssaviruses 1 and 2. In clinical practice, rabies virus is easily inactivated by detergent-based disinfectants.<p></p> <b>INFECTION</b>: Rabid animals are the only source of infection. Virus is shed in the saliva some days before the onset of clinical signs and transmitted through a bite or a scratch to the skin or mucous membranes. The average incubation period in cats is 2 months, but may vary from 2 weeks to several months, or even years.<p></p> <b>DISEASE SIGNS</b>: Any unexplained aggressive behaviour or sudden behavioural change in cats must be considered suspicious. Two disease manifestations have been identified in cats: the furious and the dumb form. Death occurs after a clinical course of 1-10 days.<p></p> <b>DIAGNOSIS</b>: A definitive rabies diagnosis is obtained by post-mortem laboratory investigation. However, serological tests are used for post-vaccinal control, especially in the context of international movements.<p></p> <b>DISEASE MANAGEMENT</b>: Post-exposure vaccination of cats depends on the national public health regulations, and is forbidden in many countries.<p></p> <b>VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS</b>: A single rabies vaccination induces a long-lasting immunity. Kittens should be vaccinated at 12-16 weeks of age to avoid interference from maternally derived antibodies and revaccinated 1 year later. Although some vaccines protect against virulent rabies virus challenge for 3 years or more, national or local legislation may call for annual boosters.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hosie, Professor Margaret and Addie, Dr Diane
Authors: Frymus, T., Addie, D., Belák, S., Boucraut-Baralon, C., Egberink, H., Gruffydd-Jones, T., Hartmann, K., Hosie, M. J., Lloret, A., Lutz, H., Marsilio, F., Pennisi, M. G., Radford, A. D., Thiry, E., Truyen, U., and Horzinek, M. C.
Subjects:Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Publisher:Sage
ISSN:1098-612X
ISSN (Online):1532-2750
Published Online:27 May 2009
Related URLs:

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
363381Rational Design of a Lentiviral VaccineMargaret HosieMedical Research Council (MRC)G0300387Centre for Virus Research