HERP
Complementary feed for cats with a Calicivirus or Herpes Virus infection

In cats, respiratory viral infections are very common and in 90% of cases are caused by Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Herpes Virus (FHV).
Although in most cases the symptoms are self-limiting, it is always advisable to implement supportive therapy in order to avoid the worsening of the clinical picture.
This supportive therapy involves maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition and may include an antibiotic therapy in case of secondary bacterial infection, aerosols, and nutritional supplementation with specific complementary feeds, such as Herp.
WHAT IS HERP?
Herp is a cat-specific complementary feed containing Lactoferrin and Lysine. It is indicated as a support in case of viral infection, particularly by Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV).
WHAT DOES HERP CONTAIN?
Herp is an oral suspension containing a combination of Lactoferrin and Lysine.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein that is physiologically present in the body: in colostrum (in high amounts), in breast milk, and in body fluids (tears, seminal fluid, cervical mucus, nasal and bronchial secretions).
Lactoferrin supports the immune system and has antimicrobial and antiviral action.
This protein has been shown to have antiviral properties, particularly against cat respiratory viruses (FCV and FHV-1): it prevents both virus-target cell contact and virus penetration inside the cell.
As a result, it is able to reduce virus-induced cellular damage and the resulting symptoms.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid with antiviral action as it directly and indirectly antagonizes Arginine, an essential component for viral replication.
So, by counteracting viral replication, Lysine is able to limit the progressive spread of the virus to the mucous membranes and reduce the dispersion of viral particles into the environment.
Thanks to the combination of Lactoferrin and Lysine Herp acts at two separate times in the infection:
Studies have shown that the use of a complementary feed containing Lactoferrin and Lysine can benefit FCV- and FHV-1-infected cats by reducing their clinical symptoms and viral spread in the environment.
For more information:
WHEN SHOULD I USE HERP?
Herp is indicated to supplement the diet of cats subject to pathogenic pressure (in particular in Herpes Virus and Calici Virus carriers) with Lactoferrin and Lysine as soon as the symptoms appear, and in case of relapse.
In cats, the clinical symptoms detectable in a FCV and FHV-1 infection are:
- eye discharge, conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulceration
- nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
- stomatitis, gingivitis, oral ulcers causing pain in the mouth and difficulty in eating
- fever, lack of appetite, asthenia.
WHAT DOES HERP LOOK LIKE?
Herp comes in the form of an oral suspension.
This specific formulation and the practical dispensers ensure easy and accurate administration even in kittens and cats that have lost their appetite and/or are in pain due to oral lesions.
HOW SHOULD I USE ALS?
Herp must be given as soon as the first symptoms are detected, and until they have receded.
In case of chronic manifestations, Herp can be administered continuously, according to the indications of the veterinary surgeon.
Herp can be administered together with food or directly in the mouth with the following dosage:
- 1 ml/2 kg bodyweight, twice a day, for 7 days
- then 1 ml/4 kg bodyweight, twice a day.
In particularly difficult cases, it is possible to administer 1 ml of Herp/2 kg bodyweight twice a day even for prolonged periods (3-4 weeks).
IN WHICH SIZES IS HERP AVAILABLE?
Herp is available in two packages:
- 50 ml bottle with 2 ml graduated syringe and adapter
- 120 ml bottle with 5 ml graduated syringe and adapter.
WHERE CAN I BUY HERP?
Herp is a complementary feed, so it is a free-sale product and does not require a veterinary prescription.
It can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores, pet shops and online on specialised pet product websites.