Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats

Abstract

Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats. Graphical Abstract

Cat: Empirical modelling of Felis catus population dynamics in the UK

“…Owned cats form the lion's share of the UK F. catus population, but the total population also comprises cats in shelters, and free-roaming, unowned cats that are either feral (largely defined as unsocialised) or stray (largely defined as previously owned and socialised). The overpopulation of unowned cats is often cited as a cause for concern for a range of reasons such as their compromised welfare [4,5], nuisance and public health concerns [5,6] and their potential negative effect on the owned cat population [7] and local wildlife [8,9]. An estimated 250,000 unowned cats live in UK towns and cities [10], approximately 300,000 cats that are not considered pets live on farms [11] and in excess of 150,000 cats enter UK shelters every year [12].…”

Emergence and spread of feline infectious peritonitis due to a highly pathogenic canine/feline recombinant coronavirus

“…Concerningly, Cyprus has a high population of unowned cats that are frequently relocated to other parts of Europe, and the wider world. The risk of spreading this outbreak is significant as evidenced by the first confirmed UK case 40 . This is exemplified by the recent confirmation of a first UK-imported case with further investigations into other cases ongoing.…”

Control of companion animal parasites and impact on One Health

“…or Rickettsia spp. [ 57 ]. Therefore, higher surveillance, stricter legislation as well as informed awareness of veterinarians, animal welfare organisations and animal owners importing pets from abroad along with the periodic administration of effective parasiticide treatments and adherence to basic hygiene principles are key to prevent parasites to establishing in previously unaffected areas.…”