Improving Incidence of Upper Respiratory Infections in Shelter Kittens
Lisa L. Powell, DVM, DACVECC, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
In the Literature
Jaynes RA, Thompson MC, Kennedy MA. Effect of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of the air on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in kittens in a nursery. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2020;257(9):929-932.
The Research …
Airborne pathogens that cause respiratory infections can contribute to significant illness in kittens housed in animal shelters. These pathogens, including feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydia felis, and Mycoplasma spp, can persist on surfaces and lead to fomite transmission. Intensive disinfection can help decrease the persistence of these pathogens and other contagions in a shelter environment. Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation has been found to effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water1 and to decrease the spread of respiratory infections in humans when added to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.2-5
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