This chapter is divided into four parts:
- Viral respiratory disease . The majority of cases of infectious respiratory disease in cats are caused by one of two viruses, feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV) (feline rhinotracheitis virus).
- Feline Chlamydia psittaci infection. This organism mainly induces conjunctivitis, though mild respiratory signs may also be present.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica infection. B. bronchiseptica is undoubtedly important in secondary infections, but recently evidence has been accumulating that it may also be important as a primary pathogen in cats.
- Mycoplasma infection. Again these are most likely to be important as secondary invaders, but a more primary role has been suggested by some.
Other viruses with only suspected or peripheral involvement include feline reovirus , cowpox virus and feline coronavirus .
Other bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, pasteurellae and coliforms are also important as secondary invaders.
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