Protecting Animals from Virulent Feline Calicivirus: What You Need to Know

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a common threat in veterinary clinics, shelters, and multi-cat households—but in rare cases, it can mutate into something far more dangerous: Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus (VS-FCV). This hypervirulent strain can cause severe illness and even death in cats, making effective disinfection protocols critical in animal care environments.

What Is VS-FCV?

VS-FCV is a mutated strain of feline calicivirus that leads to widespread, systemic illness rather than the mild respiratory symptoms typically seen with standard FCV. It has been linked to outbreaks across the U.S. and Europe, with symptoms such as:

• High fever (pyrexia)

• Depression

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

• Pneumonia

• Lameness

• In some cases, abortion or severe internal inflammation

The exact cause of these mutations is unknown, and each outbreak seems to involve a genetically distinct version of the virus. However, what remains consistent is the importance of isolation and rigorous surface disinfection to stop the spread.

Why Disinfection Matters

A key finding in outbreak management is that quarantining infected animals and decontaminating all surfaces can drastically reduce transmission. FCV can live in areas of the animal’s body—and on surfaces—not typically associated with upper respiratory infections, making targeted cleaning a must.

At Kentucky Cleaning Solutions, we recommend using a veterinary-grade disinfectant proven effective against virulent FCV. Our product lineup includes options with organic soil tolerance, making them ideal for environments like:

• Veterinary clinics

• Kennels and catteries

• Grooming facilities

• Animal shelters

• Zoos

• Animal science labs

Choosing the Right Disinfectant

When selecting a disinfectant for animal care environments, look for products tested against a broad spectrum of viruses, including:

• Feline Calicivirus (virulent strain)

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline leukemia virus

• Canine parvovirus (CPV)

• Bordatella (Kennel Cough)

• Avian influenza strains (H5N1, H9N2)

Our ProVetLogic Animal Facility Disinfectant meets these standards and more—check the full efficacy list on the product specification sheet or contact us for guidance.

Best Practices for Disease Prevention

To limit the risk of FCV spread:

• Isolate cats with respiratory symptoms.

• Use separate gowns, gloves, and equipment for each animal.

• Disinfect all surfaces between patients—especially exam rooms, kennels, and shared equipment.

• Keep animals up-to-date on vaccines, which may not prevent infection but can reduce severity and spread.

Partner With Us for Cleaner, Safer Animal Care

At Kentucky Cleaning Solutions, we’re proud to support the health of animals and the professionals who care for them. Our cleaning products are trusted by animal care providers across the country—and we’re here to help you maintain the highest standard of hygiene and safety.

Questions? Call us at 502-382-8320 or email roland@bluegrass-ky.com.