New Strain of Feline Calicivirus

alleycat

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I took my cat to the vet this morning. While there my vet and I have a nice discussion about the new strain of calicivirus. Apparently it has become a significant problem in some states (the west coast, NY, Mass, TN, MO, and a few others). Two hundred cats had to be put down at a shelter in Missouri.

Anyway, if you have a cat who's outside a lot, or associates with other cats (that's one thing I don't have to worry about), then you might want to go ahead and take your cat in and get the vaccine for the new virus.

They may be overstating the problem, but sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. The cost of the vaccine didn't add too much to the total for my cat's annual checkup and shots. I will have to take her back for a booster in three weeks; after than it's a yearly thing.
 
DeborahM

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Thanks for sharing, AC! We've got to protect our babies!!! Wanna cookie? Or brownie?
 
A. Hamilton

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Is this something new? I buy my vaccines from the feed store and administer them myself, except for rabies. I wonder if this one is available this way.
 
MidnightMuse

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I'm going to read up on this one, and see if they're including the vaccines in the feed stores yet.
 
MidnightMuse

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Feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) infection account for up to 90% of all cases of infectious upper respiratory tract disease in cats. Vaccination against FHV-1 and FCV is highly recommended for all cats. Following the initial series of vaccinations and revaccination 1 year later, cats should be vaccinated once every 3 years.
Click to expand...

Translation: Make sure your vaccination includes FCV (feline calicivirus) and that you get kitty his/her shot series, then follow up with one booster the next year, then you're good for 3 years on the FCV like you are with Rabies.

However, your other vaccines are still once a year, people! Once. A. Year.

And remember, although you can purchase and administer many of the yearlies yourself, only a licensed Veterinarian or Technician can administer the rabies.

This concludes our public service announcement for today, July 16th, 2007 :D
 
alleycat

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Remember this is a new strain. According to my vet, it's much more deadly.
 
A. Hamilton

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Ok, it's time for some kitty care.
Thanks for the info.
 
alleycat

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The vaccine cost me $27, plus I've got to go back for a booster in three weeks.

For most indoor cats the risk is probably pretty low . . . but, in the grand scheme of things what's $27 to keep my cat well.
 
alleycat

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MidnightMuse said:
I'm going to read up on this one, and see if they're including the vaccines in the feed stores yet.
Click to expand...
By the way, I have a two page handout from Fort Dodge that I was given about VS-FCV. If you'd like to read it, let me know and I'll scan it and send it to you.
 
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Yes, I would - if this strain has mutated, I'd be interested to know when they first figured out it had changed and if they've altered the vaccine. I miss the days when I had the priviledge of working with a Feline FeLV/FIV specialist once a week. That guy knew his stuff !
 
alleycat

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MidnightMuse said:
Yes, I would - if this strain has mutated, I'd be interested to know when they first figured out it had changed and if they've altered the vaccine. I miss the days when I had the priviledge of working with a Feline FeLV/FIV specialist once a week. That guy knew his stuff !
Click to expand...
According to the handout, it was first identified in Northern California in 1998. Clinics and shelters have been more affected. Apparently, only Fort Dodge makes a vaccine approved for the new stain.
 
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