Feline Virulent Systemic Calicivirus (VS-FCV) – NAVLE Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) is an emerging, highly pathogenic variant of feline calicivirus that causes severe multisystemic disease with mortality rates of 30-86%. First described in 1998 in Northern California, VS-FCV represents a significant threat to cats in veterinary hospitals, shelters, and multi-cat households due to its highly contagious nature and ability to cause devastating nosocomial outbreaks even in vaccinated cats.
Unlike classic FCV which causes mild upper respiratory disease and oral ulceration, VS-FCV produces a hemorrhagic fever-like syndrome characterized by systemic vasculitis, widespread edema, cutaneous ulceration, and multi-organ failure. The disease is more severe in adult cats than kittens, which is unusual for most feline viral infections.
Etiology and Virology
Viral Characteristics
Feline calicivirus (FCV) belongs to the family Caliciviridae, genus Vesivirus. Key viral properties include:
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