Discovery of a Novel Virus Causing Severe Fever and Thrombocytopenia in Cats in Japan

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome” (SFTS) virus (Dabie bandavirus) emerged in China in 2009, and several epidemics have occurred since that time in Asia. SFTS virus if of interest in veterinary hematology since it has been reported to cause severe thrombocytopenia in cats, and was a differential diagnosis for a recent outbreak of symptomatic thrombocytopenia in cats in the UK. Although not yet identified outside of Asia this virus is important for veterinarians to be aware of given its zoonotic nature, increasing incidence, and the worldwide spread of the tick vector. This lecture will review what we know about this emerging virus, and the disease reported in cats to date.