Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats
R.G. Maggi, V. Halls, F. Krämer, M. Lappin, M.G. Pennisi, A.S. Peregrine, X. Roura, B. Schunack, V. Scorza, S. Tasker, G. Baneth, P. Bourdeau, D.D. Bowman, E.B. Breitschwerdt, G. Capelli, L. Cardoso, F. Dantas-Torres, G. Dobler, L. Ferrer, L. Gradoni, P. Irwin, F. Jongejan, V.A.J. Kempf, B. Kohn, S. Little, M. Madder, C. Maia, M. Marcondes, G. Miró, T. Naucke, G. Oliva, D. Otranto, B.L. Penzhorn, M. Pfeffer, Á. Sainz, S. Shin, L. Solano-Gallego, R.K. Straubinger, R. Traub, I. Wright
Parasites & Vectors 15(1) (2022)
Abstract: Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue world‑wide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relievingsuffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those work‑ing with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector‑borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unownedcats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non‑zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list ofpractical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consen‑sus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector‑Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping toprevent and manage vector‑borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.