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Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV in domestic cat population [promotion exam course in the research area]

Course developer

Prior knowledge

VeteD024, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to provide the highest level of theoretical knowledge in the field of veterinary science on coronavirus infections in cats, in particular feline coronavirus (FCoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostic methods and control.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge – about FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 caused infectious diseases in cats, epidemiology (including molecular epidemiology), transmission, diagnostics and possible control measures.
Skills and competences – to independently characterize the epidemiological situation of feline coronavirus infection, the spread of the disease in the world and in the region, disease containment and control measures. Knows a reasonable choice of diagnostic methods for feline coronaviruses and is able to interpret the obtained results. Skills to describe and justify key disease control and treatment measures and their selection strategy.

Evaluation – promotion Exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

In independent studies of scientific literature, a doctoral student must acquire information about:
1. Description of coronavirus-induced infectious diseases in cats, including the main epidemiological parameters, including molecular epidemiology.
2. Pathogenesis and clinical signs of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 in felids (Feliformia).
3. Diseases caused by FCoV.
4. FCoV prevalence in households and shelters/cat breeding facilities.
5. FCoV control in animal shelters.
6. Sample collection for laboratory diagnosis of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2, and possibilities of laboratory diagnostics.

7. Treatment options for FCoV.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Passed Promotion Exam in the field of the research and
2 weeks before the exam, doctoral student must submit an application to the Study Centre.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The doctoral student independently studies scientific literature on the topics specified in the study course plan and prepares for the promotion exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Passed Promotion Exam at the approved commission.
The exam is done by choosing a ticket (with at least 2 questions) and orally.

Compulsory reading

1. Tekes, G., & Thiel, H.-J. (2016). Feline Coronaviruses. Advances in Virus Research, 193–218.doi:10.1016/bs.aivir.2016.08.
2. Klaus, J., Zini, E., Hartmann, K., Egberink, H., Kipar, A., Bergmann, M., … Meli, M. L. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Dogs and Cats from Southern Germany and Northern Italy during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses, 13(8), 1453.doi:10.3390/v13081453
3. Hosie, M. J., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Hartmann, K., Egberink, H., Truyen, U., Addie, D. D., … Möstl, K. (2021). Anthropogenic Infection of Cats during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses, 13(2), 185.doi:10.3390/v13020185
4. Felten, S., Klein-Richers, U., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Bergmann, M., Unterer, S., Leutenegger, C. M., & Hartmann, K. (2020). Correlation of Feline Coronavirus Shedding in Feces with Coronavirus Antibody Titer. Pathogens, 9(8), 598.doi:10.3390/pathogens9080598
5. Felten, S., & Hartmann, K. (2019). Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Review of the Current Literature. Viruses, 11(11), 1068.doi:10.3390/v11111068
6. Thayer, V., Gogolski, S., Felten, S., Hartmann, K., Kennedy, M., Olah, GA. (2022) AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 24(9):905-933. doi:10.1177/1098612X221118761

Further reading

1. Felten, S., Matiasek, K., Leutenegger, C. M., Sangl, L., Herre, S., Dörfelt, S., Hartmann, K. (2021). Diagnostic Value of Detecting Feline Coronavirus RNA and Spike Gene Mutations in Cerebrospinal Fluid to Confirm Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses, 13(2), 186.doi:10.3390/v13020186

Periodicals and other sources

1. Zoonoses and Public Health
2. Zoonoses
3. Frontiers in Veterinary Science
4. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-infectious-diseases-in-shelter-situations-and-their-management/
5. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-disinfectant-choice-in-feline-veterinary-hospitals-shelters-and-cat-households/
6. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-sars-coronavirus-cov-2-and-cats/

7. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-feline-infectious-peritonitis/

Notes

Doctoral study programme Veterinary Medicine.