Feline herpesvirus type 1 is the most common cause of upper respiratory infection in cats and its management in shelter populations requires careful biosecurity and welfare protocols.
FHV-1 causes painful rhinitis, conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration that impairs feeding and quality of life. In shelters, stress from confinement and social exposure triggers recrudescence in latent carriers. Welfare priorities include vaccination on intake, reducing stress through single housing for cats showing signs, providing L-lysine supplementation, and antiviral therapy (famciclovir) for severe ocular disease.