Borna disease virus infection in cats

Vet J. 2014 Aug;201(2):142-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.012. Epub 2013 Dec 14.

Abstract

Bornaviruses are known to cause neurological disorders in a number of animal species. Avian Bornavirus (ABV) causes proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in birds and Borna disease virus (BDV) causes Borna disease in horses and sheep. BDV also causes staggering disease in cats, characterised by ataxia, behavioural changes and loss of postural reactions. BDV-infection markers in cats have been reported throughout the world. This review summarizes the current knowledge of Borna disease viruses in cats, including etiological agent, clinical signs, pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnostics, with comparisons to Bornavirus infections in other species.

Keywords: Borna disease virus; Feline; Neurological disorder; Persistent infection; Staggering disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Borna Disease* / diagnosis
  • Borna Disease* / epidemiology
  • Borna Disease* / therapy
  • Borna Disease* / virology
  • Borna disease virus / physiology*
  • Cat Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Cat Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cat Diseases* / therapy
  • Cat Diseases* / virology
  • Cats