Feline Herpesvirus (FHV): Diagnosis & Testing
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a common cause of feline upper respiratory and ocular disease, including sneezing, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers, with lifelong latency after infection. FHV antigen testing supports diagnosis of active infection, while antibody testing supports assessment of vaccination response. Point-of-care quantitative testing provides an objective instrument-read result rather than a subjective line.
Fact Table
Clinical Context
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a common cause of feline upper respiratory and ocular disease, including sneezing, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers, with lifelong latency after infection. FHV antigen testing supports diagnosis of active infection, while antibody testing supports assessment of vaccination response. Point-of-care quantitative testing provides an objective instrument-read result rather than a subjective line.
Interpretation should combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, vaccination or treatment history where relevant, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
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- Feline Calicivirus vs Herpesvirus: Telling Cat Flu Apart Calicivirus and herpesvirus both cause cat flu but behave differently — mouth ulcers versus lifelong latency. Here's how testing tells them apart.
- Feline Herpes (FHV-1): Why It Recurs and What Testing Shows Feline herpesvirus infects most cats and then stays for life, flaring under stress. Here's what antigen vs antibody testing shows.
- Feline Triple Test: FPV, Herpes and Calicivirus The feline triple test checks FPV, herpes and calicivirus in one run — but the antibody results are not equal. Here's what the panel is actually for.
Clinical literature cited in related articles
2026-09-12
MEDIUM
FAQ
What is the difference between FCV and FHV-1?
Feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) are the two main viral causes of feline upper respiratory disease. FCV classically causes oral ulcers and can have limping or virulent systemic forms, while FHV-1 causes sneezing, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers with lifelong latency.
Antigen or antibody — which test should I use?
Use antigen testing on swabs when a cat has active respiratory signs, to identify the current pathogen. Use antibody testing in serum/plasma to assess vaccination status or past exposure. Quantitative tests can combine both to give a complete picture.
Why distinguish FCV from FHV-1?
Although the clinical signs overlap, management differs — FHV-1 patients may benefit from antiviral therapy, while FCV is managed supportively with strict hygiene due to its environmental hardiness. Accurate identification guides treatment and infection control.