Companion Animals

Cat Feline Herpesvirus Management

Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) causes lifelong latent infection in most cats, with recurrent disease triggered by stress requiring ongoing management to minimise welfare impact.

Key Facts

FHV-1 establishes lifelong latency in trigeminal ganglion neurons after primary infection
Reactivation is triggered by stress, immunosuppression, and corticosteroid treatment
Clinical signs include conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, nasal discharge, and sneezing
Antiviral therapy with famciclovir is effective during active outbreaks
Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent infection or eliminate latency

Welfare Considerations

FHV-1 management is a lifetime commitment for affected cats. Recurrent episodes of conjunctivitis, corneal disease, and upper respiratory signs cause significant discomfort. Stress minimisation is the most effective long-term management strategy - reducing the frequency and severity of reactivation episodes. During active disease, antiviral treatment and appropriate supportive care including eye lubrication for corneal lesions significantly reduce suffering.

What You Can Do

Minimise stress in FHV-1 positive cats to reduce reactivation frequency
Discuss antiviral treatment options with your vet for recurrent active FHV-1 disease
Ensure appropriate vaccination to reduce disease severity in at-risk cats
Learn to recognise early FHV-1 reactivation signs for prompt treatment initiation