Study finds uncontrolled cat colonies pose danger to domestic cats
Recent study carried out by Spanish veterinarians, distributed Veterinary portal ensures that the colonies stray cats represent health risks for domestic cats and wild cats, such as the feral cat.
The researchers analyzed a total of 93 cats from outdoor colonies, animal shelters and private homes. The results show an “alarming” rate of lung infections in local cats. Specifically, 34.5% of individuals were affected by a parasite known as feline lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrus).
This rate drops to one case found in a shelter (3.3%) and no cases in domestic cats. This pattern matches previous studies conducted in countries such as Bulgaria and Italy, where outdoor cats have increased risk of infection.
The most common clinical signs of lungworm in cats include mild to severe coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and a runny nose. Apathy, lethargy, and weight loss have also been described. Although rare, death can occur in severe cases, especially in young, frail or immunocompromised people.
Public health issue
The study shows that uncontrolled cat colonies are a source of infections that can affect indoor cats that go outdoors regularly, as well as cats of other species. wild cats like a wild catFelis silvestris). Lack of sanitation controls also poses a risk to humans of the spread of zoonotic diseases such as ringworm, fungi, parasitosis or fleas.
For this reason, veterinarians insist that cat colony control established in Animal Welfare Act should have “the sole goal of reducing them so that they disappear,” a goal shared by the General Secretariat for Animal Welfare: “We are talking about animals that live outside and it should not be a home for pets.”
The study also highlights the need to include sanitation measures in trap, neuter and return (CER) campaigns, which are currently the main management system for street colonies. Experts suggest implementing”deworming and vaccination protocols against viral diseases such as feline leukemia virus to reduce the risk of infection between species and protect both cats and local biodiversity.
The Animal Welfare Act already requires municipalities to include medical care and deworming of stray cats in their programs. Cat Colony Management PlanHowever, councils say they can barely afford to simply sterilize animals.
In any case, the veterinary community warns that it is “urgent” to establish monitoring and control programs more effectively prevent the spread of infectious diseases that threaten the biodiversity and health of neighbors living with cat colonies.