ZKBS risk assessment of a cat virus

The Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus was first isolated from wild domestic cats ( Felis catus ) was isolated in Hong Kong and has been associated with various inflammatory diseases of the kidneys (nephritis) in infected animals.

FeMV particles consist of a linear, non-segmented single-stranded RNA genome negative orientation, which is surrounded by a viral envelope. Viral replication occurs in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The viral genome encodes six structural proteins. Two additional non-structural proteins are formed through frameshifting and mRNA editing, which are important for suppressing the innate immune response.

Studies in recent years have shown that FeMV is widespread in domestic cats worldwide. The host range of FeMV does not appear to be limited to cats, as natural infections have also been observed in opossums and dogs. In addition to Nephritides primarily inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. FeMV also appears to persist in cats, where it can then lead to chronic infection. However, a possible connection between FeMV infections and chronic kidney disease in cats has not yet been conclusively established. FeMV infections in humans have not yet been observed.

The transmission route of FeMV is currently unknown, but it is assumed that FeMV is transmitted via contaminated Aerosols and possibly also transmitted via urine.

According to Section 5 Paragraph 1 GenTSV in conjunction with the criteria in Annex 1 GenTSV, FeMV is recognized by the ZKBS as a donor and recipient organism for genetic engineering work by Risk group 2 This classification is based on data demonstrating a broad host range for FeMV, including domestic cats and dogs. Furthermore, a possible zoonotic potential of FeMV cannot be ruled out.

The ZKBS statement can be found at File number 45242.0206 can be retrieved.