Companion Animals

Cat Feline Pox Virus Welfare

Cowpox virus causes skin lesions in cats and can be transmitted to humans, requiring appropriate management and welfare care.

Key Facts

Cats contract cowpox from voles and other small mammals while hunting
Clinical signs include skin nodules that ulcerate and scab, usually resolving in weeks
Immunocompromised cats can develop severe generalised disease
Cowpox is zoonotic and can cause skin lesions and rarely severe disease in humans
Treatment is supportive - antiviral drugs are reserved for severe cases

Welfare Considerations

Feline cowpox causes localised skin lesions that are uncomfortable and may cause pruritus. The welfare cost is usually limited and time-defined as the infection typically resolves spontaneously. Immunocompromised cats face greater welfare risk. The zoonotic risk requires appropriate human precautions during the resolution period.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for cats with unusual skin lesions
Wear gloves when handling cats with suspected cowpox
Keep infected cats away from immunocompromised people until lesions resolve