Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Antigen Test Card (Colloidal Gold Method)

Target and Hazard: Feline calicivirus (FCV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, is one of the main pathogens of feline upper respiratory tract disease (the “cat flu” complex). It is highly variable with many strains, and some virulent strains can cause systemic, fatal infection. The virus spreads via respiratory secretions, saliva, ocular and nasal discharge and contaminated objects, and is relatively stable in the environment. Affected cats typically show oral ulcers, salivation, conjunctivitis, sneezing and nasal discharge, and some strains cause limping syndrome; co-infection with feline herpesvirus (FHV) aggravates disease. It spreads rapidly in densely housed environments such as catteries and is a common threat to feline health.

Significance of Testing: The card detects FCV antigen directly for rapid on-site differential diagnosis of cats with upper respiratory signs or oral ulcers, helping to distinguish FCV from other respiratory pathogens such as FHV, to identify and isolate virus-shedding cats in order to limit spread within the cattery, and to guide supportive care, isolation and environmental disinfection. It is suited to outpatient screening of difficult cases and group outbreak investigation.

Principle: Colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (double-antibody sandwich): FCV antigen in the sample binds to gold-labelled anti-FCV antibody, migrates along the nitrocellulose membrane and is captured by the FCV-specific antibody coated on the test line (T), producing a visible line; the control line (C) confirms test and procedure validity.

Performance and Applications: No equipment required; samples: ocular, nasal or oral secretions, or pharyngeal/conjunctival swab eluate; visual reading within 5–10 minutes; store and ship at 2–30 °C in a cool, dry place, with an 24-month shelf life. Suitable for rapid on-site screening at veterinary hospitals, catteries and breeding facilities, and rescue organisations. Method: colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (double-antibody sandwich) | Samples: ocular, nasal or oral secretions, or pharyngeal/conjunctival swab eluate | Time to result: 5–10 min | Reading: visual assessment of T/C lines — a coloured T line indicates a positive result, C line is the procedural control | Format: tests/box (as stated on the label) | Storage: 2–30 °C, cool and dry; shelf life 24 months | Note: sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, intra-/inter-assay CV and agreement with RT-PCR/virus isolation are subject to our internal QC report.