Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes chronic recurring upper respiratory disease in cats, with welfare impacts ranging from mild discomfort to severe ocular and systemic disease.
FHV-1 causes welfare compromise through the discomfort of upper respiratory disease - cats with nasal congestion have difficulty smelling food and may stop eating, creating secondary nutritional welfare problems. Conjunctivitis causes eye pain and photophobia. Corneal ulcers from FHV-1 cause severe ocular pain that prevents normal eye use and may threaten vision. The chronic recurring nature of the disease means carriers experience recurrent bouts of discomfort throughout their lives, often triggered by stressful events like veterinary visits or changes in household routine. Antiviral treatment with famciclovir reduces the duration and severity of reactivation episodes, substantially improving welfare during active disease. Stress reduction is the most effective long-term management approach for frequent reactivators.