FIP question, information please

[Jen]

Here is the question:
Would it be a good idea or a bad idea to allow a cat who has been exposed to FIP in to a household with other cats?
Here is why:
I have 3 foster kittens, now 5 months old. They live separate (for the most part) from my own kitties. I was going to foster 2 more cats over the winter.(they would be in contact with the kittens) These 2 cats were living with a cat that died of FIP (3 months ago). No one else in that home got sick or died, but obviously these 2 have had exposure.
Would the kittens be at too much of a risk?
Thank you for any info you might have.

[Tina B and crew]

jen...I'm not sure about that...Traci is better qualified to answer than I am...but this site may help with some questions about FIP

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fip.html

[Traci]

Have the other two cats been tested with a titer? If not, I would have that done to better give you an indication of their immunity. Exposure does not always mean the virus will replicate, but it is never exact, and one can never make predicitons about this disease.

Upon a negative titer for each cat, I would then make sure they are at least tested for and vaccinated for FELV/FIV, and do the same for the kittens before the other two are introduced (providing all are healthy).

The exposure and infection rate increases during shedding of the virus, and things you would worry about are close contact (multicat environment, grooming, etc), sharing food and water dishes, and stressful conditions. Keep a close and watchful eye on both adult cats as well as the kittens for any signs of undue stress, or slightest hint of illness, in which, you would want to followup with your vet immediately.

[Jen]

The cats as well as the kittens are all tested negative for FeLV/FIV but not vaccinated. (these are rescue cats waiting for adoption, so the group tries to keep the vet costs down). Would the vaccination be NECESSARY as I might be willing to swing the cost of the titer for the 2 adults but adding 5 sets of vaccinations might be cost prohibitive.
Thanks.

[Traci]

Well, this is my personal preference....whenever there is a known history of exposure to any one of the feline infectious viruses, then the most pro-active and preventative measure you can take is to vaccinate accordingly. Please note that I do NOT recommend the FIP vaccine, as it's use is too controversial. I'm referring to FELV vaccination in particular. Some cats with suspected FIP exposure, may also be carriers or infected with FELV/FIV, in which prior vaccination could have been a preventative measure.

If the two adult cats have never been vaccinated, or if you do not know their prior vaccination history, I would definately consider getting them vaccinated for FELV (and of course, FVRCP and Rabies as prevention, and given their 'rescue' status). As for the kittens, my stance is that all kittens should recieve their kitten boosters (FVRCP), Rabies at 6 months of age, and at least 2 FELV boosters. If you knew the kittens were to be placed in an indoor home only and could absolutely garantee no future exposure to other cats, you could probably get away with not vaccinating for FELV, however, there IS a risk factor with any kitten or cat with unknown health history, exposure risk, etc.

I realize your fostering position and the costs involved, but where exposure has been known and is a concern, you really don't want to take unneccessary risks. *IF* you can afford vaccinations for all involved, you will be offering them all added protection. Otherwise, at least vaccinate them with FVRCP and rabies and if you have additional funds, then test the two adult cats with the FIP ELISA specific. Only thing is, it will only detect a coronavirus if present, it won't confirm FIP.

For vaccination info and risk factors, see VIN protocol page and AAFP's Vaccine Guidelines

[Jen]

Thank you.
The distemper and rabies are all up to date on all concerned.
Is the FIP titer test you mentioned in the first post that same as or different from the FIP ELISA test you mention in this post?
Are the results of this test the kind that can change over time? (in other words, could it be too soon after exposure to get a valid result)

[Traci]

Yes, they are one in the same...I most often refer to them as a titer.

As for time between exposure and coronavirus detection, it depends. If exposed and you test at least a month after exposure, a coronavirus may be detected, and yet, just as confusing, negative positives do occur. However, latency can occur with any of the infectious diseases, so it's sometimes a hit or miss when testing. Because the original FIP+ cat succombed 3 months ago, I would assume now is a good time for testing with the titer.

I've only stated my personal preferences, Jen, I would prefer you talk to your own vet about this before proceeding. He/she can tell you more about how they see your fosters in the statistical sense, based on their own observations and clinical experience. They can also probably guide you in the order of testing vs vaccination first, or vice versa. As you've probably learned, an FIP positive kitty usually does not develop clinical signs until active infection or end-stage disease, and not every "presumed" FIP case is in fact FIP (can be mistaken for other health conditions). Bottom line is to be able to afford them all the protection you can from other infectious disease.

Lastly, remember that all involved should be pronounced in excellent health before any vaccinations are given.

[Jen]

I have a routine vet appointment on monday and I will ask The Dr. about her feel on this situation. But in the mean time I am just trying to compile some points of views, because I know there is a lot of mystery around this disease.

[Traci]

I understand, Jen, but you'll probably even get differing views from your vet or another vet. If these were my cats, I would proceed with vaccinating for FVRCP, Rabies, and two boosters of FELV. (the adult cats may only need one FELV booster).

Another thing to keep in mind...if you are placing all cats eventually, you will want to have peace of mind with their vaccination and immunity, should the new owners already have a cat or kitten in the residence, if the cats and kittens aren't vaccinated, you 1) don't have a garantee the new owner will take it upon themselves to vaccinate accordingly...and 2) the cats or kittens could already be exposed and even carriers, which means they could eventually pass on an infection to another cat.

JMHO....