What is feline herpesvirus?
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1 or feline rhinotracheitis virus) is a highly contagious virus of both domestic and wild cats. Herpesvirus is part of the feline upper respiratory infection complex. This is a group of viral and bacterial infections, also including calicivirus and chlamydiosis, which cause sneezing and discharge from the eyes and nose. Cats often have two or more of the upper respiratory infections at the same time, and feline herpesvirus is one of the most common. What are the common clinical symptoms of feline herpesvirus infection? • Respiratory symptoms, including sneezing and nasal discharge and inflammation • Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eyes). Feline herpesvirus is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Conjunctivitis is manifested as: • Squinting or closing of the eye • Red, swollen tissue surrounding the eye and eyelids • Eye discharge that may range from clear to yellow-greenish in color • Reproductive abnormalities, causing co
