Reoviruses are found in many mammalian and avian species and can be divided into three serotypes regardless of species of origin. The clinical importance of infection in cats is unknown, although serological surveys show that infection is widespread.

Reoviruses have been isolated from the faeces and oropharyngeal secretions of cats showing a variety of clinical signs and also from healthy cats.

Experimentally:

• lnoculation of new-born kittens with reovirus type 1 caused death in 2- days.
• Necropsy revealed signs of respiratory infection.
• Inoculation of kittens with reovirus type 2 caused mild diarrhoea.
• Inoculation of kittens with reovirus type 3 induced mild conjunctivitis and respiratory signs.
• Diagnosis is by detection of virus from faeces or oropharyngeal swabs by EM or isolation using special cell culture techniques.
• Control measures are probably not indicated because infection is thought to subclinical or, at most, mild.

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