Infection with novel feline parvoviruses in rescued stray cats in Japan

Abstract

Fecal samples were obtained from cats rescued in various areas of Japan and examined to determine the presence of parvovirus (PV) genes. Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline bocavirus (FBoV) types 1, 2, and 3, and feline chaphamaparvovirus were detected, whereas canine parvovirus and feline bufavirus were not. Regarding FPV, FBoV-1, and FBoV-2, the number of positive cases was significantly greater in cats with diarrhea symptoms than in those without. Among the positive cases, cats aged 1 to 2 months exhibited a significantly higher rate of diarrhea symptoms than those over 3 months old. These findings indicate that infection with novel PVs is associated with the development of diarrhea symptoms in kittens that are 1 to 2 months old.