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Another virus
infects cats
BLACKSBURG - A new AIDS-like virus and rabies are two diseases that should concern cat owners, said Kent C. Roberts, Extension specialist for companion animals at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.
The AIDS-like virus was recently found by veterinarians at the University of California at Davis, Dr. Roberts said. This much is known about the virus:
• Affected cats develop a variety of illnesses which result from the effect of the virus on their immune systems.
• Chronic infections with such signs are respiratory disease, anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss are common.
• It is not known how it spreads, but the virus is not highly contagious and seems to require prolonged contact.
• The virus only affects cats and presents no known danger to humans.
• The disease is centered on the West Coast and there have been relatively few cases diagnosed.
• The only method of diagnosis is a blood serum test and only one California laboratory is set up to perform it as present.
• There is no specific treatment available for affected cats.
Although rabies has been around a long time, Dr. Roberts said, there has been a recent increase in the number of rabid cats in Virginia. Although only three rabid cats were found in the state in 1986, four were found during the first six weeks of this year.
There also has been a corresponding increase in confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons, foxes, and skunks.
“Owners can take three steps to protect their cats or dogs from rabies,” Dr. Roberts said. “First, would be the vaccination of the pet by a veterinarian. The second step would be confining the animal to prevent or minimize contact with wildlife.”
He said the final step would be a prompt examination by a veterinarian for any wound, particularly a bite, and the administration of a booster vaccination if such a step is indicated.
“Human exposure to rabies can best be prevented by the proper and regular vaccination of dogs and cats against this dread disease,” the Ex- j tension specialist concluded. i
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