CHLAMYDIA INFECTION IN CATS IN NEW-ZEALAND

Conjunctival swabs collected in 1991-92 from 333 pedigree and non-pedi gree cats were tested for the presence of Chlamydia spp. antigen using an ELISA antigen kit. Forty (18.4%) of the 217 samples from cats with conjunctivitis were positive. Seven (6%) of 116 samples from cats whi ch were in contact with cats with conjunctivitis but which showed no c linical signs at the time of sample collection were positive. Positive -testing cats were frequently from multi-cat households. Chlamydia spp . is present and associated with conjunctivitis in cats in New Zealand . Infection may occur concurrently with viral diseases. Feline caliciv irus was recovered from 27 (21 with conjunctivitis) of 37 cats tested in five catteries. Four cats (with conjunctivitis) were FIV-positive.