- Feline herpesvirus was first found in the late 1950s in the United States. It is related to the virus that causes chicken pox in humans. The feline herpesvirus vaccine has been available for many years.
- The feline herpesvirus vaccination does not prevent infection by FHV-1 or other infectious upper respiratory tract infections. It can, however, reduce the severity of the infection and the duration of the illness by minimizing symptoms.
- It is possible for cats to carry herpesvirus their entire lives. Because they "shed the organism either continuously or intermittently for a long period of time," according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), they can be "a major source of infection for other cats." Feline herpesvirus can not be transmitted to a human from a cat, or to a cat from a human.
- Cats may react to the feline herpesvirus vaccination just like reactions to other vaccinations. These can include redness or discomfort at the injection site, minimized appetite, reduced activity, low fever or swelling at the injection site. More serious reactions can occur rarely, such as allergic reactions and a type of tumor known as a sarcoma found at the site of the injection.
- The AVMA recommends discussing concerns regarding the benefits and risks of vaccinations with your veterinarian before making the decisions for your feline friends. Your veterinarian can advise the best age for vaccination, as well as the frequency of vaccination for indoor, indoor/outdoor and strictly outdoor cats.
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