Feline herpesvirus.

Feline herpesvirus infection is an extremely common disease and leads to ocular problems in a large percentage of affected cats. Feline herpesvirus-1 is maintained within the feline population by ready transmission from cat to cat, ensuring continued exposure of kittens and adults. The virus is similar in structure and pathogenicity to herpes simplex virus in humans. Both viruses are members of the family Herpes-viridae and subfamily Alphaherpesviridae. The hallmark of this family of herpesviruses is latency that develops after primary infection. This factor is clinically important because disease may recur at later points in life without further exposure to the virus. Conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers are particularly common forms of feline herpesvirus-1 recurrence.