Feline Spongy Encephalopathy (Feline)

Test Overview:

Avoid Feeding Risky Tissues: To prevent FSE, it is critical that cats are not fed any bovine tissues that might contain prions, particularly specified risk materials like brain and spinal cord from cattle. Cooking or rendering does not eliminate the prions. No Evidence of Horizontal or Genetic Transmission: Current evidence suggests horizontal transmission (cat-to-cat) is unlikely, and maternal transmission is rare and not conclusively proven, though one suspected case was reported in cheetahs. Therefore, breeding cats need not be excluded solely based on concerns of genetic transmission of FSE. Focus on Overall Welfare in Breeding: Veterinary guidelines for feline breeding emphasize prioritizing health and welfare. Selective breeding should avoid genetic defects or conditions that compromise welfare, but since FSE is not hereditary, FSE itself is not a direct concern for breeding exclusion. Disease Surveillance and Reporting: Breeders and veterinarians should be vigilant in reporting suspected cases of FSE to appropriate authorities to ensure monitoring and control of the disease.