Group G streptococcal epizootic in a closed cat colony

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Beta-hemolytic Lancefield group G streptococcal infections can cause epizootics in animal colonies.
• Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory animal colonies are susceptible to bacterial outbreaks.
• Maintaining disease-free status in SPF colonies is critical for research integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an epizootic of beta-hemolytic Lancefield group G streptococcal infections in a laboratory cat colony.
• To describe the clinical signs, transmission, and successful treatment of the outbreak.
• To document the final eradication strategy for the streptococcal infection.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak in a SPF cat colony.
• Clinical sign monitoring, including fever, depression, and pharyngeal/submandibular swelling.
• Bacteriological culturing from pharyngeal swabs of affected and unaffected animals.
• Treatment with long-acting penicillin G and subsequent monitoring.
• Colony depopulation as a final eradication measure.

Main Results:

• 19 out of 68 cats in one building were affected over 10 days.
• Clinical signs included fever, depression, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, and submandibular edema.
• Penicillin G treatment halted the outbreak, with negative cultures post-treatment.
• Recurrence of cases led to depopulation of the affected building for eradication.

Conclusions:

• Beta-hemolytic Lancefield group G streptococci can cause significant outbreaks in SPF cat colonies.
• Penicillin G can effectively control acute streptococcal outbreaks.
• Depopulation of affected premises is necessary for complete eradication of persistent infections.