First Advisor

Kenneth Stedman

Date of Award

Summer 6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology and University Honors

Department

Biology

Language

English

Subjects

Feline parvovirus, Canine parvovirus, Domestic cat, Felis catus

Abstract

Parvoviruses remain among the most important viral pathogens in domestic cats today. Despite this, there is much confusion around which parvoviruses can infect cats, and what extent of disease they can cause. One of the two parvoviruses infecting cats, canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2), likely evolved from the other parvovirus infecting cats, feline parvovirus (FPV). These viruses differ at only a few places in their genomes, and share the method of cell entry via the transferrin receptor. The disease caused by FPV has been well characterized in cats, but disease caused by CPV-2 is more obscure. Additionally, current testing methods for parvovirus in cats do not automatically differentiate between CPV-2 and FPV, making it difficult to track the true prevalence of each virus. Current guidelines on disease prevention remain unchanged, with proper vaccination and isolation protocols being at the forefront. This review briefly covers the two major parvoviruses infecting cats, including their discovery, clinical symptoms, and current testing and prevention methods regarding them.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44778

Download

Share

COinS