1 It can be FATAL
"It (VS-FCV) kills fast and it spreads like wildfire." . Jeanne Prins, cat owner who recently lost three cats to VS-FCV
VS-FCV is a relatively new, more deadly strain of the traditional feline calicivirus (ka-LEE-see-virus), one of the two major respiratory viruses typically found in cats.
Although VS-FCV appears to be less common than the traditional virus, it has gained the attention of feline experts because it is much more severe. Within just a few days of exposure, VS-FCV can affect multiple organs and cause painful and devastating signs in infected cats (see clinical signs information). VS-FCV can kill healthy cats within 24 to 48 hours - even those previously vaccinated with a traditional FCV vaccine.
While traditional calicivirus is not usually fatal, VS·FCV has a significantly higher mortality rate.
2 It's highly CONTAGIOUS
"A person could touch an infected cat, touch a door, and pass the disease on to the next person who touches the doorknob and handles a different cat." - Gary D. Norsworthy, DVM, DABVP
VS-FCV is easily transmitted from cat to cat through anything shed by the cat, including hair, dander, blood, urine, feces and secretions from the eyes and nose.
The disease can also be spread via objects such as clothing, tables, doorknobs, shoes and hands.
3 Your cat CAN be PROTECTED
"I've started putting the VS-FCV vaccination into my core vaccination protocol. During the next year, I want my clients' cats to be vaccinated against this disease. I want to see as many cats protected as possible." - Gary D. Norsworthy, DVM, DABVP
CaliciVax, the only vaccine licensed and proven effective against VS-FCV, is now available. CaliciVax contains a VS-FCV strain and a traditional calicivirus strain, providing broader protection for your cat.
Vaccination against VS-FCV could save your cat's life.
Signs to watch for:
Clinical signs of traditional FCV
· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Conjunctivitis
· Ulcers on tongue
· Loss of appetite
Clinical signs of VS-FCV
· Any of the above PLUS:
· High fever
· Swelling of face and/or legs
· More severe oral and nasal ulcers
· Loss of organ function
· Skin lesions and hair loss
Below are photos of cats suffering from VS-FCV
