Clinically diseased cats with non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis have Borna disease virus-specific antibodies.

A spontaneous neurological disease in cats characterized by behavioural and motor disturbances was reported in Sweden by Kronevi et al (1974). Generally, the animals showed no gross pathological lesions. Detailed neuro-pathological investigation revealed mononuclear perivascular cuffing and gliosis throughout the brain and spinal cord consistent with a non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis. After this first report, the disease has become recognized in different parts of Sweden, preferably Uppland and the area around Lake Mälaren, and is referred to as “staggering disease” of cats. The clinical manifestation of the disease includes hindleg ataxia and paresis (Fig. 1), inability to retract the claws (Fig. 2), mental changes, anorexia, increased salivation, hypersensitivity to sound and light, hyperesthesia, impaired vision and seizures (Kronevi et al 1974, Ström et al 1992). Despite treatment with antimicrobial drugs and corticosteroids most cats deteriorate and die or have to be euthanised after 1-4 weeks of illness.