How is calicivirus transmitted in cats? - briefly
Calicivirus in cats is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected cats or their bodily fluids, such as saliva and nasal discharge. Additionally, the virus can persist on surfaces for several days, allowing indirect transmission through contaminated objects like food bowls, litter trays, and bedding.
How is calicivirus transmitted in cats? - in detail
Calicivirus, specifically feline calicivirus (FCV), is a highly contagious pathogen that affects felines worldwide. Transmission of this virus occurs through several primary routes, each contributing significantly to its spread.
Firstly, direct contact between infected and non-infected cats is the most common method of transmission. This can occur during social interactions such as grooming, sharing food or water bowls, and even through casual contact in multi-cat households. The virus can survive on various surfaces for extended periods, making indirect contact via contaminated objects another significant mode of transmission.
Respiratory secretions, including saliva, are the primary vehicles for FCV transmission. When an infected cat sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets containing the virus become airborne, potentially infecting other cats in close proximity. These aerosols can also settle on surfaces, where they remain infectious for some time, posing a risk to any cat that comes into contact with them.
Fomites, which are objects or materials that can carry infection, play a crucial role in FCV transmission. Common fomites include toys, bedding, litter trays, and even human hands. Cats often rub against these items, transferring the virus from one surface to another. Humans can also act as vectors by carrying the virus on their clothing or skin after interacting with an infected cat, thereby transmitting it to other felines they encounter.
Vertical transmission—from a mother cat to her kittens—is another important route of FCV spread. Pregnant cats can pass the virus to their offspring either in utero or during the birthing process, leading to neonatal infection. Kittens born to infected mothers may exhibit symptoms shortly after birth or develop them later in life.
Lastly, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity influence the stability and longevity of FCV on surfaces. Warmer temperatures generally reduce the virus's lifespan, while cooler conditions can prolong its infectivity. Understanding these environmental factors is essential for controlling outbreaks and minimizing transmission risks.
In summary, feline calicivirus spreads primarily through direct contact with infected cats, aerosolized respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), vertical transmission from mother to offspring, and indirectly via human vectors. Recognizing these various modes of transmission is vital for implementing effective prevention and control strategies in both household and clinical settings.