What is fechavirus?
Fechavirus is a gastrointestinal virus that was first identified in cats in late 2018. It is a type of parvovirus. Other common parvoviruses of veterinary importance include canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia. Both viruses cause vomiting and diarrhea in affected animals, so it is unsurprising that fechavirus has similar clinical signs.
Does fechavirus occur outside the shelter setting?
We do not currently know the significance of fechavirus in pet cats. It is possible that fechavirus occurs outside the shelter environment as a mild or asymptomatic infection, but that it causes more significant disease outbreaks in the shelter environment. Shelter cats are under unique stresses, related to their change in environment, potential crowding, and other stressors. Stress is known to suppress the immune system in many species, including cats.
"Stress is known to suppress the immune system in many species, including cats."
It is also possible that this virus is not yet circulating significantly outside of the shelter setting. Research is ongoing to determine the significance of fechavirus in the pet cat population.
What are the clinical signs of fechavirus?
The most common signs associated with fechavirus are diarrhea (in approximately 80% of infected cats) and vomiting (in approximately 60% of infected cats). Vomiting is often seen first, with diarrhea developing one to two days later. Other signs include anorexia and lethargy, which are observed less frequently.
Signs typically develop five to seven days after exposure to an infected cat and persist for a total of five to seven days.
How is fechavirus diagnosed?
There is currently no commercially available test for fechavirus. In a research setting, the virus can be identified via complex genetic analysis, but this tool is not available to most veterinarians.
If your cat is presents to the veterinarian for vomiting and diarrhea, your veterinarian will begin with a thorough physical exam. Next, your veterinarian will test your cat for common intestinal parasites, including intestinal worms and Giardia. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests to check organ function, radiographs (X-rays), and/or abdominal ultrasound to rule out common causes of vomiting or diarrhea.
What is the treatment for fechavirus?
There is no specific treatment for fechavirus. In the initial animal shelter outbreak, approximately one-third of the affected cats had such mild signs that treatment was not necessary. The other two-thirds of affected cats required some degree of veterinary care.
"If your veterinarian suspects fechavirus, they will provide supportive care to control clinical signs and prevent dehydration."
If your veterinarian suspects fechavirus, they will provide supportive care to control clinical signs and prevent dehydration. Your veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous or intravenous fluids, injectable anti-nausea medication (such as maropitant, famotedine, or omeprazole), antidiarrhea medication (moist typically metronidazole), probiotic supplements, and a bland, easily digested diet.
What is the prognosis for fechavirus?
The prognosis for fechavirus is good. Affected cats typically improve within four to five days, although diarrhea may persist for over a week in some cases. None of the affected cats in the initial outbreak experienced a relapse or became reinfected; all cats had a complete resolution of illness within a matter of weeks.
