• Family Caliciviridae Genus Vesivirus; species: swine
Lagovirus; species: Rabbit hemorrhagic disease
Norovirus; species: Norwalk Sapovirus; species: Sapporo
• Found in humans, rabbits, cattle, pigs, cats, chickens, reptiles, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, foxes, etc.
• Single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped virus.• Not very well studied because they do not grow in culture
and there’s no suitable animal model. • Transmission is generally by the fecal-oral route, but can
also be transmitted via the respiratory route.• Vaccinations reduce the appearance of clinical signs and
symptoms.
• Highly infectious• High degree of genomic
plasticity• RNA polymerase poor ability to
proofread resulting in mutations• Virus responds rapidly to selected pressures in the
environment making it a very adaptable virus• Replicates in the oral and respiratory tissues
• Worldwide distribution• Direct contact is the main method of infection. • Shed in oronasal and conjunctival secretions• Transmitted indirectly via contamination of the environment• Incubation period of 2-6 days• Shed the virus for 2 to 3 weeks • Persists in the environment for several days to weeks, and in some cases up to a year or more, depending on environmental conditions
Supportive Treatment
IV or subcutaneous fluids
Special diet and appetite
Stimulants
Tube feeding
Broad spectrum
Antibiotics
Mucolytics
NSAIDS
Corticosteroids
Dental cleaning and tooth extractions
Antiviral Therapy
Ribavirin
Feline Interferon
Immunoglobulins
• Calicivirus causes respiratory symptoms that usually heal within 2-3 weeks • Most clear the virus from their systems within 30 days• Some remain persistently infected, and will continue to shed the virus• On rare occasions a highly virulent strain of calicivirus can progress to a systemic form
• Part of the core vaccination protocol suggested for cats• Recommended at 8-9 weeks and 12 weeks of age• Some kittens may need a third booster at 16 wks (high risk situation)
• Adult cats of unknown immune status should also be vaccinated (booster 2-4 weeks later)• Herpes virus vaccination• Nearly impossible to avoid a cat contracting this disease at some point
• 2009 study by Jas et al.
• Tested 8-9 week old kittens known to be
pathogen free by challenge 1 week and 3-4
weeks after vaccination of an
inactivated FCV vaccine
• Efficacy of the vaccination was
comparable whether challenged
1 week or 3-4 weeks after vaccination
• Concluded the onset of protection occurred
within 7 days of vaccination
• Novel Calicivirus in Michigan (MRCV)• Hemorrhage, hepatic necrosis and sudden death• Highly susceptible = Domestic rabbits and
free-ranging European rabbits• Unaffected = cottontail and hares• Jan. 2001 - New Zealand White rabbitry,
65/200, 32.5% fatality• MRCV distinct species from RHDV
• 1977 study by Prato et al.
• Tested 3 populations of wild
foxes for the presence of
neutralizing antibody to 4
different calicivirus strains
• Neutralizing activity was detected in
serum from 2 of the 3 populations
• 1985, Rogue Reef off Oregon coast - first isolation• Transmission from marine to terrestrial species• Tagging operation led to isolation• Impact on species not assessed however these disease agents causes:
Vesicular lesions Abortion Encephalitis Pneumonia
• Commonly cause acute gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea• Virus multiplies within the small intestine • Incubation time of 2 days • Symptoms only generally last for 3 days• Most calicivirus infections do not call for medical attention• After infection, immunity is usually incomplete and temporary • Affects people of all ages• Causes approximately 90% of epidemic non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world, commonly called the “stomach flu”• May be responsible for 50% of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the US• Hand washing is an effective method to reduce the spread of pathogens, but alcohol rubs are not very effective
As there is no known cure for calicivirus, control is essential.
Carcasses should be buriedWhile animals exposed to thevirus should be quarantinedor euthanized.
Sanitizing objects that havecome in contact with sickanimals can be done moreeffectively by using bleach.
Bergin, I.L., A.G. Wise, S.R. Bolin, T.P. Mullaney, M. Kiupel, and R.K. Maes. 2009. Novel calicivirusidentified in rabbits, michigan, usa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15.12:1955-1962.
Jahnke, M., E.C. Holmes, P.J. Kerr, J.D. Wright, and T. Strive. 2010. Evolution and phylogeography of
the nonpathogenic calicivirus rcv-a1 in wild rabbits in Australia. Journal of Virology, 84.23:12397-12404.
Jas, D., C. Aeberle, V. Lacombe, A.L. Guiot, and H. Poulet. 2009. Onset of immunity in kittens after
vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Veterinary Journal, 182.1:86-93.
Mencke, N., M. Vobis, H. Mehlhorn, J. D'Haese, M. Rehagen, S. Mangold-Gehring, & U. Truyen.
2009. Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Parasitology Research, 105.1:185-189.
Prato, C.M., T.G. Akers, and A.W. Smith. 1977. Calicivirus antibodies in wild fox populations. Journal ofwildlife disease. 13.448-450.
Skilling, D.E., J.E. Barlough, E.S. Berry, R.F. Brown, and A.W. Smith. 1987. First isolation of a calicivirusfrom the stellar sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 23.4:534-538.
Williams, E.S., T. Yuill, M. Artois, J. Fischer, and S.A. Haigh. 2002. Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife. Revue Scientifique et Technique Office International des Epizooties, 21.1:139-157.