Calicivirus

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Overview
Feline calicivirus (pronounced cal-ee-chee, also known as FCV), a common viral disease that affects cats, is characterized by upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia, oral ulceration (sores in the mouth), and occasionally arthritis. It is a fairly mild flu-like condition and rarely causes serious complications.

Calicivirus is part of the feline upper respiratory infection (URI) complex, a group of viral and bacterial infections (e.g., FHV-1, chlamydiosis) that cause discharge from the eyes and nose. Calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis virus account for 85% to 90% of all URIs in cats.

Incidence and Prevalence
Calicivirus occurs worldwide and affects all breeds of cats. Vaccination has reduced the incidence of clinical disease, but it hasn't decreased the prevalence of the virus. The virus is spreading, even though fewer cats show symptoms.

Causes
Numerous strains of feline calicivirus exist and different strains cause different symptoms (e.g., one particular strain can cause ulcers on the paws as well as in the mouth).

It usually affects the throat, and sometimes the lungs; it can also infect the intestines and has been isolated from feces. Calicivirus often occurs with another upper respiratory infection, such as feline herpes virus (FHV), rhinotracheitis virus, or chlamydiosis.

Transmission
Calicivirus is spread through direct contact with the saliva, eye and nose discharges, and sometimes the feces, of an infected cat.

FCV is resistant to many disinfectants and can survive outside the cat's body for as long as 8 to 10 days, so it may be present in dishes, litter trays, and clothing, even after a thorough cleaning.

Many cats remain contagious for years, even though they may not show signs of disease. Healthy (i.e., asymptomatic), contagious cats are known as latent carriers. Calicivirus is very common in kittens, multicat households, and pet adoption shelters. Outbreaks can occur in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, or unsanitary conditions; and where the cats are poorly fed, or stressed, either physically (e.g., extreme temperatures) or psychologically (e.g., introduction of a new cat).

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