One Health: Molecular Detection of Feline Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Kunshan, China

In China, the number of pets is increasing rapidly. Since pets share an intimate connection with their owners, they may transmit some diseases to humans. However, China lacks data on disease surveillance for pets. Feline Calici Virus (FCV) and Feline Herpetic Virus Type 1 (FHV-1) are two main pathogens causing respiratory tract infection in cats. So far, the epidemiological investigation of FCV in Kunshan city, China is still insufficient. Kunshan’s cat population has limited FCV vaccination coverage, and pet clinics lack efficient and convenient diagnostic analysis. Therefore, based on the molecular detection and identification of FCV in Kunshan, the team plans to develop a new RT-PCR for rapid and accurate diagnosis of FCV infection and promote it to local pet clinics and pharmaceutical companies in Kunshan. This project will help screen for FCV infection in different cat populations in Kunshan city and effectively protect their lives.