Using PCR and Next Generation sequencing, we have detected coronavirus in the conjunctiva of a small number of cats. Our most recent study looked at the diversity of coronavirus sequences within a single cat over a period of six years.
A 5-year-old male neutered Bengal was enrolled in our ‘healthy cat’ study and was found to shed coronavirus intermittently. Overtime, the virus shed in the feces underwent very little change, while virus sequenced from other sites – including the conjunctiva – showed distinctive changes in the viral spike (S) protein. Structural models based on the data collected in this case suggest that the conjunctiva may act as a site of enhanced feline coronavirus transmission.
We are currently looking to investigate the prevalence of feline coronavirus in the conjunctiva of both sick and healthy cats. We hope to sequence virus from this site to determine whether the changes identified in our case study are present in a wider population of cats.
If you would like to receive further information about this study, including information on how to participate, please email fcovstudy@cornell.edu Thank you for your interest in our work and we hope you can join us in the fight against FIP!