Actinomycosis

Question
My FIV positive cat, Oliver, battled actinomycosis for nine
months. It showed up as many small holes in his belly. He
was on liquid oral antibiotics and a DMSO with antibiotic
that was rubbed onto his belly. This last month the holes in
his belly became the size of quarters and they were oozing.
During the nine months he went from 16 lbs to 6 lbs. I had
to put him to sleep last Wednesday. Because of his FIV and
tendancy to be very aggressive to other cats, I kept Oliver in
a very large dog kennel in the back yard to keep him
separate from my other cats. Now that Oliver is gone, I no
longer need the dog kennel, but I'm hesitant to
let any of my other cats in that area for fear they might get
actinomycosis. Is this concern founded? I have one other FIV
positive cat that is so mild mannered and keeps to himself -
I haven't had to separate him from the others. I'm worried
he might be more susceptible. Should I not let the cats in
the area of the yard I kept Oliver?

Thanks for your advice,
Nicki

Answer
I do not have any personal experience with Actinomyces infections in cats.  In any FIV+ cat it is best to feed them an all natural diet and give supplements to keep their immune system strong to prevent secondary infections.  There are many bacteria and fungi outside in the environment, so letting your cats outside is a concern if they are not healthy.  With strong immune systems they will not develop opportunistic infections.  Disinfecting the cage with bleach should kill just about everything.