Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats in Eastern Germany (Thuringia)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There is currently no available data on the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in stray cats in Germany. In this study, clinically healthy stray cats were investigated for selected VBPs. Of the 50 stray cats included, 22% tested positive for at least one VBP by direct and 64% by indirect detection methods. Stray cats may therefore represent important pathogen reservoirs and contribute to the spread of VBPs, many of which have zoonotic potential, for example, Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. ABSTRACT: Bacterial, protozoal, and viral vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) can cause infections in cats. There is little information on feline VBP prevalence in Germany. Stray cats are frequently exposed to vectors but receive no veterinary care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected VBPs in stray cats. EDTA blood and serum samples were taken from apparently healthy stray cats during a spay/neuter campaign in the federal state of Thuringia. Overall, 11/50 (22%) and 32/50 (64%) cats tested positive for at least one VBP by direct and indirect detection methods, respectively. PCR testing of EDTA blood detected hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 12% of cats, Hepatozoon spp. in 10%, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 4%. PCR testing for Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms was negative. IFAT on serum samples showed 46% of cats had detectable antibodies for Bartonella spp., 30% for Rickettsia spp., and 16% for A. phagocytophilum. The cats were additionally tested for feline coronavirus, FIV, and FeLV to identify potential risk factors for pathogen contact and/or infections. No correlation between FIV and FeLV status and VBP positivity was detected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. have zoonotic potential, and surveillance is recommended in the context of the One Health approach.