Cat Ailments A to Z - Mad Itch

Mad Itch
Pseudorabies Virus Infection
Aujeszky's Disease 
Suid Herpesvirus

(all the same thing)

Because it is the shortest version of the name - Mad Itch will be used for this post

Mad Itch is an uncommon but highly fatal disease found in cats - But it's associated much more with Swine

The chances are higher for cats who come into contact with Pigs.

This disease is found mostly in farm settings, though the disease is not limited to farms

Mad Itch is a herpes virus; once an animal is infected, it remains infected for life
The animal may not demonstrate any signs of disease even though it is shedding the virus.

A Cat may contract this virus by eating contaminated, uncooked meat or offal from swine, or by ingesting infected rats.

Transmission can also occur by:

• Contaminated Drinking Water
• Contact with Contaminated Clothing, 
• Contaminated Footwear
• Contaminated Equipment

The Virus thrives in cool, damp weather

It becomes inactive in drying, sunlight, and warm temperatures (98.6 F and up)

•  Cat to Cat transmission does not usually occur

• There is a mild potential for human infection. Precautions should be taken when treating infected animals, and when handling infected tissues and fluids. PetMd

Well that is not good at all 

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency - There have been no reports of this in Canada, Australia, Greenland, or any African Country. ( just a tidbit of info - Australia also has eradicated Rabies)

Most other Countries have reported cases.
The US has stated that reported cases have been limited to feral Swine - not any Pigs located on farms.
All incidents are mandated to be reported.
Since we all have heard many things about tainted or infected meat coming from China...
 China 2012

In Canada ( probably also in many other places)
There is a procedure they follow once they are informed - it does not include trying to save any animal that is infect.
All animals infected will be euthanized.

Why is it called Pseudorabies?
There are many similarities between Pseudorabies and Rabies
Two of the aspects that differentiate this virus from Rabies are:
 

1. The term Mad Itch comes from the uncontrollable itching that is the result of the virus. To the point of mutilation - Not a symptom found with Rabies
2. There are no signs of outward aggression - like the scary Rabies version ( Though the severe itching may cause an animal to appear that it is acting crazy- possibly jumping around or just freaking out)

It's possible a cat suffering from Mad Itch will display no symptoms at all, but it can still be fatal.

However, some signs which may be seen include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Muscle stiffness.
• Excessive salivation
• Rapid and labored breathing
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Vestibular signs such as circling and head tilting
• Head pressing.
• Ataxia
• Convulsions
• Intense itching and self-mutilation from scratching
• Coma

60% of the time this virus / infection last 24 to 36 hours, and is almost always fatal. 
40% of the time this virus / infections last more than 36 hours, and it too is almost always fatal.



 There is no medical or medicinal treatment 

• Pigs are the hosts of this virus - they would be considered subject #1
• They can pass the virus amongst their own population and their young. 
• Another animal can catch this be the routes of contamination I spoke of before.
• Once that animal contracts the virus - it has a very short life span. 
• Spreading of this virus through secondary animals is not as easy - but it is possible. 
• The Cat or Dog eats the infected Rat - Bad luck and bad timing - considering the small window between alive and infected - and dead rats being not as appealing.

The Cat that is infected dies within 36 hours - generally - or the Rat -they may have ventured to a different farm. 
With them they bring the virus... when they die, the pigs possibly eat them - now another farm is infected.

Here is what they list as preventative measures in regards to Cats

• Avoid contact with infected swine
• Avoid ingestion of contaminated pork
• Avoid ingestion of infected rats

Step 1. Create machine that translates Human to Cat so we can inform them of this. 
Step 2. Sell Machine and make millions !
Step 3. Create Cat Sanctuary with large moat surrounding area
Step 4. Hire Solders to stand guard against all intruders - be they Rat or Swine!
Step 5. Name Sanctuary The Cats Lair - then get sued by the ThunderCats...