The Health Service Executive (HSE) has notified the Veterinary Council of an outbreak of Corynebacterium Ulcerans in domestic cats.

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans, is a zoonotic disease which produces a Diphtheria like toxin and may produce a Diphtheria like illness in humans. As such, any humans who come into contact with infected animals may be at risk of diphtheria.

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease usually affecting the tonsils, pharynx, larynx and occasionally the skin.

Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease and is given as part of the childhood immunisation schedule in Ireland. However, even among those who have been vaccinated, immunity decreases with age; approximately 65% of the Irish population over 30 years of age may be susceptible to diphtheria.

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