Feline Herpes Virus

Herpes virus creates a mild to severe upper respiratory infection in cats, and the severity depends on the overall health and immune system of the cat. Most cats recover and lead a normal long life. The virus is short-lived in the environment and is easily killed by most common disinfectants. There is a commonly used vaccine that can be effective however it is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary veterinarian.

The virus is latent so cats will have it for life. However, viral shedding does not occur unless the cat develops an active infection. This means without recent clinical signs the likelihood of spreading the virus is low.

This virus is ubiquitous. Killing shelter cats won’t make a difference in the amount of disease in our environment; the effect of such actions is less than a drop in a bucket.

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