Outbreak management of multidrug-resistant Bordetella bronchiseptica in 16 shelter-housed cats.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes an outbreak of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Bordetella bronchiseptica in 16 shelter-housed cats with infectious respiratory disease. Four cats presented with acute dyspnea on the same day, each with a history of previous upper respiratory disease that had resolved with treatment. Early diagnostic testing and culture and sensitivity allowed for targeted antimicrobial therapy and environmental interventions. A case definition based on exposure and clinical signs identified 12 additional presumptive cases, including the likely index case. Comprehensive outbreak management included diagnostic testing, risk assessment, vaccination, use of isolation and quarantine, increased surveillance and review of biosecurity practices. The outbreak resolved in 26 days. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Management of an MDR B bronchiseptica outbreak in shelter-housed cats has not been previously described. Along with standard population and environmental measures, early and appropriate use of necropsy, PCR and bacterial culture allowed rapid and appropriate use of effective, second-line antibiotics. Shelters are resource-challenged population centers. Veterinarians working in animal shelters can play an important role in helping to develop cost-efficient and effective antimicrobial stewardship practices for companion animal settings. Outbreak management expertise and funding for diagnostic testing, as well as application of the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, are essential components of shelter medicine practice.

A Prospective Study of Growth Rate, Disease Incidence, and Mortality in Kittens Less than 9 Weeks of Age in Shelter and Foster Care.

A prospective study was designed to (a) investigate the rate of daily weight gain among kittens less than 9 weeks old presented to an animal shelter, (b) identify factors (e.g., sex, clinical signs of disease, diet, and medical treatment) that affect daily weight gain, and (c) investigate the mortality of study kittens. The study of 203 kittens was conducted at a managed admission, no-kill animal shelter in upstate New York, USA, from April 2014 through October 2014. Body weight was measured daily from day of intake to adoption or 12 weeks of age. Fecal score, clinical signs of disease, food type, and medical treatments were recorded daily. Lethargy and being female were significantly associated with lower daily weight gain. Despite the challenges of shelter and foster care, the average daily weight gain for study kitten was higher than that reported in other settings such as catteries and laboratories. Five study kittens (2.5%) died or were euthanized. Daily monitoring systems provide opportunities for interventions, increased live outcomes, and improved welfare for kittens in shelter and foster care.

Outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in shelter-housed cats: molecular analysis of the feline coronavirus S1/S2 cleavage site consistent with a 'circulating virulent-avirulent theory' of FIP pathogenesis.

Case series summary: This case series describes three shelter-housed cats concurrently diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The cats were from a cohort of seven surrendered from the site of a house fire. The three cats presented with mild upper respiratory signs. Within 10 days they clinically declined: progressive signs included pyrexia, icterus, lethargy, anorexia and cavitary effusions. Necropsy followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of FIP in all three. Molecular analysis of the causative feline coronavirus (FCoV) revealed varied amino acid alterations in the spike gene both between cats and between sample types in individual cats. A fourth cat from the cohort remained healthy in the shelter but succumbed to FIP 6 weeks post-adoption. Relevance and novel information: This case series places FCoV genetic sequences in the context of clinical signs in a small shelter outbreak. Each of the three cats concurrently developed a slightly different clinical presentation. PCR amplification and genetic sequencing revealed that two cats shared an S1/S2 cleavage site mutation (R790S) previously described to be associated with the development of FIP; one of the cats had an additional S1/S2 cleavage site mutation (R793S). The third cat had a single, identical S1/S2 point mutation (R790G) unique from the other two cats; the R790G mutation has not been previously reported. This case series provides interesting data on point mutations associated with the development of FIP and provides support for a 'circulating virulent-avirulent theory' of FIP pathogenesis in a small shelter outbreak.

Impact of heat treatment on Dirofilaria immitis antigen detection in shelter dogs.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and management of canine heartworm disease is a growing concern for shelter veterinarians. Although the accuracy of commercial antigen test kits has been widely studied, recent reports have renewed interest in antigen blocking as a causative factor for false "no antigen detected" results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of false "no antigen detected" results in adult dogs entering shelters in northern, southern, and western regions of the country and to identify historical and clinical risk factors for such results. METHODS: Serum samples were evaluated for Dirofilaria immitis antigen using a commercially available point-of-care ELISA; samples in which no antigen was detected underwent a heat treatment protocol and repeat antigen testing. Whole blood samples underwent Knott testing to identify the presence of microfilariae. Historical and clinical findings were analyzed using exact logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 616 samples were analyzed. Overall prevalence of positive antigen test results (prior to heat treatment) was 7.3% and frequency of false "no antigen detected" results due to antigen blocking (ie, samples with no antigen detected prior to heat treatment and positive after heat treatment) was 5.2%. Among dogs that had no detectable antigen on the initial tests, dogs that had microfilariae detected via modified Knott testing (OR = 32.30, p-value = 0.013) and dogs that previously received a heartworm preventive (OR = 3.81, p-value = 0.016) had greater odds of antigen blocking than dogs without these factors. Among dogs that were heartworm positive, those without microfilariae detected had greater odds of antigen blocking than dogs with this factor (OR = 11.84, p-value = 0.0005). Geographic region of origin was significantly associated with occurrence of antigen blocking (p = 0.0036); however, blocking occurred in all regions sizably contributing to heartworm diagnoses. Of the 74 dogs found to be infected with heartworms in this study, 39.2% (29) had no detectable antigen prior to heat treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Heat treatment of serum samples should be considered to improve diagnostic test accuracy, particularly in dogs that reportedly received a heartworm preventive prior to antigen testing regardless of region of origin.

A novel approach to identify and map kitten clusters using geographic information systems (GIS): a case study from Tompkins County, NY.

A retrospective study using a geographic information system (GIS) was conducted to capture, map, and analyze intake data of caregiver (owner)-surrendered kittens (aged 0-6 months) to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Tompkins County, NY, from 2009 to 2011. Addresses of caregiver-surrendered kittens during the study period were mapped (n = 1,017). Mapping and analysis of the resultant data set revealed that the distribution of kittens was nonrandom. Seventeen statistically significant (p = .001) clusters were identified, 1 of which was the SPCA of Tompkins County (due to anonymously surrendered nonhuman animals). The remaining 16 clusters were composed of 52 homes; 27.5% (280/1,017) of the kittens in the data set originated from these 52 homes. The majority of kittens within clusters were surrendered from high-density residential and manufactured residential home parks. Analyzing such clusters using GIS is a novel approach for targeting spay/neuter and educational programs to areas contributing disproportionately to shelter populations. This method may prove useful to help shelters more effectively allocate their limited resources, but further evaluation of this and other targeted approaches is needed to assess the long-term efficacy of such programs.