Calicivirus Research Articles

Decline in maternal immunity and antibody response to vaccine in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs.

Blood was collected from captive cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) from the ages of 4 to 12 wk and monitored for the decline in maternally derived antibodies to feline panleukopenia, herpes and calici viruses. A steady decrease was seen in most of the cubs. Antibody responses to inactivated and/or modified live virus (MLV) vaccine also were measured. The strongest responses were seen post vaccination with MLV vaccine only.

ANTIBODY RESPONSE OF CAPTIVE CHEETAHS TO MODIFIED-LIVE FELINE VIRUS VACCINE

The antibody response of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to modified live virus vaccine against feline panleukopenia (FPLV), herpes (FHV) and calici (FCV) viruses was assessed by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the first year of study, 82 cheetahs were bled pre-vaccination. Of these, antibody levels to FPLV were found in 100% of the animals. Only 54% were found to have antibodies to FHV and 99% had antibodies to FCV. One month after booster vaccination with the same vaccine, increased antibodies to FPLV, FHV and FCV were seen in 19 (58%), 18 (55%) and 25 (76%) of these animals, respectively (n = 33). In the second year of study, 65 cheetahs were bled pre-vaccination. Fifty three of these animals were negative for antibodies to FPLV while 28 were positive for FHV and 64 were positive for FCV. These animals were then bled 1, 2 and 6 mo post booster vaccination. The antibody levels to the various viruses showed different trends with time.

Observations on the comparative pathogencity of intact and degraded forms of a calicivirus of Amyelois transitella

Observations on the comparative pathogencity of intact and degraded forms of a calicivirus of Amyelois transitella

Protozoan and viral infections of feral cats.

Identification of protozoan oocysts and serological tests were used to determine the prevalence of infections among 300 mainly adult feral cats in three different habitat types in south-eastern Australia. Oocysts of Isospora rivolta and Isospora felis were recovered from 3% and 4% respectively of 300 feral cat samples. Haemagglutination inhibition antibody to Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 20% of 75 cat sera tested. A high prevalence of specific antibody to feline panleukopaenia virus (79%) and feline calici virus (77%) was demonstrated but the prevalence of antibody to feline herpes virus was low (11%). 15 strains of feline calici virus were isolated from pharyngeal swabs. There were no other virus isolations from the 60 pharyngeal and rectal swabs taken. These viral and protozoan infections could not be linked with any obvious pathological conditions. Most cats were in good condition with light to moderate fat stores in depot areas. Limb fractures and other skeletal abnormalities occurred infrequently. Major tooth damage or absence of important teeth was evident in about 20% of 164 animals examined. There was no correlation between major tooth damage and poor body condition.

Winter vomiting disease caused by calicivirus

Winter vomiting disease caused by calicivirus

Intranasal vaccination against upper respiratory tract disease (U.R.D.) in the cat—I. Virological and serological observations in cats suffering from U.R.D.

A number of cat colonies in The Netherlands, in which upper respiratory tract disease (U.R.D.) was endemic, were examined for the presence of feline herpes virus (H) and feline calici virus (C) infections. In total 108 cats were examined. In 59% of the cases feline calici virus was isolated and feline herpes virus in 39% of the cases. Mixed infections were found in 26% of the cats. The virus isolates were all neutralised by anti-sera against attenuated strains of feline herpes virus and feline calici virus which are incorporated in a newly developed combined C-H vaccine against U.R.D. in cats. Intranasal application of this vaccine induced a distinct increase in resistance against experimental challenge with virulent C and H, as soon as 24 hours after vaccination.