Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's Disease) in Cats Symptoms and Treatments

Pseudorabies is a highly fatal viral disease caused by a herpes virus. Also referred to as Aujeszky's disease, this disease is usually associated with contact with swine (pigs) but can also be acquired by ingesting infected rats or eating contaminated, uncooked pork. For this reason, pseudorabies is more commonly seen in cats that live on farms.

It is a disease that involves the nervous system and comes on 2-9 days after exposure. The first signs are restlessness followed almost at once by intense pain. In the classic form, the cats meow and crouch down in agony. They may drool excessively and acts as though there were something caught in the throat. Intense itching on the head, shoulders or within the mouth develops, sites where the virus apparently entered the cat's system. The cat scratches frantically and turns the area raw. In a short time the cat staggers about, collapses and falls into a coma. Cats with the classic form die within 24-36 hours; cats with atypical form may live somewhat longer.

Symptoms of pseudorabies may at first suggest the possibility of rabies, but the shorter course, lack of vicious attacks and the intolerable itching distinguish the 2 conditions. Pseudorabies does not present a hazard to human health. There is no evidence that the disease is transmitted from cat to cat.

No vaccine is available for the protection of dogs and cats in the US. The only control is to prevent your felines from roaming and getting into contact with infected rats and livestock and eating raw meat.

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