Ways of Transmission of FeLV Infection
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. This includes testing at the time of acquisition, following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status, prior to vaccination against FeLV or FIV, prior to entering group housing, and when cats become sick. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats results mainly from exposure to infectious saliva and nasal discharge, but the potential for viral transmission through faeces and urine also exists.
Bites from infected cats are a highly efficient method for transmission for
FIV and FeLV due to high levels of virus in the saliva. Recent studies have shown that fecal shedding of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the feces of infected cats can be a source of infection. All cats shed FeLV in feces. Non-infected cats exposed to these feces showed that infection through feces took place, but remained negative for the presence of FeLV provirus in blood. In cats with progressive infection, therefore, not only saliva but also feces and to some extent urine might represent potential FeLV transmission routes. Some of the organs collected after euthanasia were provirus positive.
These findings prove that fecal shedding of FeLV plays a role in transmission, but it is probably of secondary importance in viral infections. Nevertheless, sharing of litter pans by susceptible and infected cats could increase the environmental infectious pressure and appropriate measures should be taken to avoid unnecessary viral exposure.
A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate. Few large controlled studies have been performed using antiviral or immunomodulating drugs for the treatment of naturally infected cats.[3]
References: REF FILE #CH-305
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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