Raccoonpox in a Canadian cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Poxvirus skin infections in cats are rare in North America, unlike Europe where cowpox is common.
• Previous North American feline poxvirus cases remain uncharacterized.
• Small rodents are known reservoirs for poxviruses affecting felines.

Observation:

• A Canadian cat presented with an ulcerative skin lesion on its forepaw.
• Biopsy revealed characteristic cytopathic effects, including ballooning degeneration and eosinophilic inclusions.
• Electron microscopy identified orthopoxvirus virions.

Findings:

• Polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing confirmed the causative agent as raccoonpox virus.
• This marks the first documented case of raccoonpox virus infection in a domestic cat in North America.
• The affected cat experienced a complete recovery without specific antiviral treatment.

Implications:

• Raccoonpox virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative skin lesions in cats, especially in North America.
• This case underscores the potential for orthopoxvirus spillover from wildlife reservoirs to domestic animals.
• Further research into raccoonpox virus epidemiology and zoonotic potential is warranted.