Poxvirus Infection in Cats

The majority of pox virus infections in cats do not cause severe symptoms and do not require medical attention. Regardless, if pox virus infection is suspected, prompt medical attention is advised, especially for cats with pre existing medical conditions.

As well as being potentially life-threatening to some cats, feline pox virus can be passed from cats to humans, and at-risk persons (e.g., children, elderly, and immunosuppressed patients) can develop severe illness if infected.

Poxvirus infection is an uncommon condition in cats and primarily occurs in Europe and Asia.

In severe cases, the disease can affect several internal organs, including the lungs, liver, intestine, and mouth lining.

The severe form of the condition generally only affects cats with underlying medical conditions such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and other immunodeficiencies.

Poxvirus infections are most common in cats with outdoor access that hunt rodents, and infection is most common in summer months.

Poxvirus infection in cats is caused by viruses in the Poxviridae family, a large family of viruses that cause a number of conditions in humans and other animals. Cowpox virus is the most common cause of infection, but other viruses in this family can infect cats as well.

Cats most commonly become infected by being bitten by infected rodents, the reservoir hosts.

The virus enters the animal's body via the bite wound site. Once it enters the body, it spreads through the bloodstream and can affect different organs. In most cases, cats only develop mild signs of systemic infection, and the primary symptom of pox virus disease is localized lesions around the bite wound.

Skin lesions are the main symptom of feline poxvirus infection. These lesions commonly appear on the head, neck, and forelimbs.

The initial diagnosis of poxvirus is based on clinical presentation. Diagnostics include:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Skin biopsy
• Virus isolation from scab and wound material: virus isolation is the most effective tool to confirm pox virus diagnosis

Currently, no specific treatment options are available, and the majority of animals do not require extensive treatment. Treatment options for animals that develop severe infections include:

• IV fluid therapy
• Nutritional support
• Antibiotics: to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections due to non healing lesions
• Elizabethan collar: to prevent patients from biting or scratching the wound site and increasing the possibility of secondary bacterial infections

Most infected cats carry an excellent prognosis and are able to recover without needing medical attention within two months from the onset of symptoms.

Patients developing secondary bacterial infections due to infected wounds and those diagnosed with underlying immunodeficiency require antibiotic treatment and supportive care and may need hospitalization.

If diagnosed and treated early, animals at risk of secondary systemic infections have good chances of survival.

Cats presenting with symptoms of lung infection that do not receive appropriate or timely medical care carry a guarded to poor prognosis.

Cat-to-cat transmission is possible but is less common and tends to cause less severe disease.

Due to the lack of a vaccine and the limited treatment options, prevention is the best method to ensure pets' health. Strategies include:

• Keeping at risk animals indoor as much as possible
• Seeking early medical attention if rodent bite is suspected
• Keeping affected animals separate from other pets, especially those diagnosed with other conditions
• Rodent control

Poxvirus is uncommon in cats. Poxvirus infection primarily occurs in Europe and Asia.

• IV fluid therapy
• Nutritional support
• Antibiotics
• Elizabethan collar