Feline infectious peritonitis: a review

Authors: Jones BR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 10, pp 221-225, Oct 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cat, Companion animal
Subject Terms: Viral, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Pathology
Article class: Review Article

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Abstract: Feline infectious peritonitis was first described as a distinct disease entity in 1966 in the United States (Wolfe, and Griesemer, 1966), although it had been observed prior to that date (Holzworth, 1963). The disease is widespread in that country (Disque et al 1968; Hardy and O`Reilly, 1969; Ward and Pederson, 1969; Colby and Low, 1970; Colgrove and Parker, 1971) and has been recorded in Canada (Stephenson et al 1971), England (Ingram, 1970) Ireland (Hartigan and Wilson, 1972), Japan (Konishi et al 1971), the Netherlands (Mieog and Richter, 197 1 ), Switzerland ( Stunzi and Grevel, 1973) and most recently in Australia (Watson et al 1974; Jones and Hogg, 1974). Two cases of feline infectious peritonitis have been seen in New Zealand (R. C. Gumbrell, pers. comm.). One experimental cat inoculated with peritoneal fluid from this case developed clinical signs and lesions said to be consistent with feline infectous peritonitis. With the identification of feline infectous peritonitis in Australia and the free movement of cats between Australia and New Zealand, the incidence of this potentially fatal disease in New Zealand could increase, especially as the incubation period is long and carriers of the disease are almost impossible to detect. It is possible that it may already have been observed by veterinarians in New Zealand but not identified as a specific disease. The purpose, of this paper is to review characteristics of the disease that enable a diagnosis to be made.

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