Poxvirus infection in the domestic cat: some clinical and epidemiological observations
Bennett, M.; Gaskell, C.J.; Gaskell, R.M.; Baxby, D.; Gruffydd-Jones, T.J.
Veterinary Record 118(14): 387-390
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3012851 Document Number: 286101
The clinical findings from 30 cases of feline poxvirus infection in the UK during 1978-84 are reviewed and some epidemiological observations described and discussed. In most cases the clinical signs consisted of skin lesions only, although systemic signs were also occasionally seen. Over half the cats had a history of a single recent lesion, assumed to be primary, on the head, neck or a forelimb; 29 of 30 cats developed more widespread secondary skin lesions. Cat-to-cat transmission was apparently rare. More cases were recognized in the autumn than at other times of the year. The possibility of a wild mammal reservoir of infection is discussed.