Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is a highly contagious disease, in some ways similar to the common cold or flu in humans. Common signs of URI are: clear or colored nasal discharge, sneezing, red/inflamed conjunctiva, ulcers/sores on the nose, lips, tongue or gums and fever/lethargy/loss of appetite. The latter may also be a sign of other illnesses.
Most cats are at small risk for developing URI. The highest risk is for cats that spend time outdoors and cats that are housed in close contact with other cats such as at an animal shelter or cattery. URI may be caused by any of the following pathogens; Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1 - probably the most common), Feline Calicivirus (FCV - perhaps not as common as herpes, but potentially more severe), Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma spp. and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The web site for the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine program states that URI is the most frustrating illness facing animal shelters. This is because URI is extremely contagious and because many of the cats that end up at a shelter are already compromised due to poor nutrition, parasites, stress and a suppressed immune system. When this is combined with the possibility of overcrowding, sub-standard air quality and sanitation, and the addition of the stress of being in a shelter, URI thrives.
Air quality can be a major factor in preventing URI. For several years Green Acres Kennel Shop has been using air cleaning systems made by EcoQuest in our kennel areas, cattery, retail store and home. These systems remove particulate matter from the air, reduce odors, and kill germs much like the natural processes found in sunlight and thunder storms.
Together with Breathing Easy, a local EcoQuest distributor, we are starting a fundraising campaign to raise $1500 to install one of these units in each of the Bangor Humane Society’s cat areas. By cleaning the air and killing germs these cleaners will be reducing two of the factors that contribute to the spread of URI at the Bangor Humane Society. So far we have raised $800 but need to raise an additional $700. If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile cause you may send your contribution to:
BHS Air Cleaner Fund
ATTN: Suzan Bell
693 Mount Hope Avenue
Bangor, ME 04401
References
http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_upper_res.shtml
http://www.ecoquestintl.com/jano/
