Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is in the retrovirus family

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is in the retrovirus family, classified because of the way it infects cells. Another common virus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), is also in the same family.  FeLV is one of the most common and important infectious diseases of cats, and is present in feline populations around the world.  Prevalence of FeLV is highest in environments with a high population density of cats, including multi-cat households and stray/feral or free-roaming cat populations.

Symptoms

Infection with FeLV causes a diverse assortment of symptoms, dependent on the types of cells that are infected.  Following exposure to the virus, some cats may show mild symptoms such as fever and lethargy, but many will remain asymptomatic.  If the immune system of the cat is not sufficient to control the virus, they will become persistently (permanently) infected and will enter an asymptomatic state that can last months to years. 

Eventually, FeLV-associated diseases will arise, including degenerative diseases such as anemia, liver disease, intestinal disease and reproductive problems; cancerous diseases such as lymphoma or leukemia; and diseases associated with immunosuppression, including increased susceptibility to infectious agents.  Chronic respiratory infections, chronic gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and mouth), poor healing of wounds and abscesses and other infections are common in cats infected with FeLV. 

Transmission

FeLV is shed in the saliva, feces, milk, and urine of an infected cat, although the primary route of transmission is through saliva.  Transmission occurs through grooming, licking, biting and sharing dishes and litter pans.  FeLV is a fragile virus and does not survive long in the environment; therefore close, cat-to-cat contact is required to transmit the disease.  Transmission from infected mother to kitten may occur during pregnancy or nursing.  As well, FeLV can be transmitted through a blood transfusion, meaning all potential blood donors should be screened for FeLV.

Young cats, especially those under 4-6 months of age, are the most susceptible to persistent infection with FeLV as their immune systems are not fully mature.

Prevention

The AAFP recommends that the FeLV status of all cats should be known because this virus is associated with more illness and death worldwide than any other disease condition.  FeLV infection is diagnosed by a simple blood test that is available in-clinic at most veterinary hospitals. For some cats, an additional confirmatory test may be required.  All new cats or kittens should be tested, as well as any cats that may have been exposed to a known FeLV-infected cat, cats at risk of infection (i.e. cats with access to outdoors) and any cats that are ill – regardless of whether they have tested negative in the past.  Because of the nature of the virus, after exposure an infected cat may not test positive for about 30 days. Therefore, testing should be repeated at least 30 days later to ensure the cat is truly not infected.

Vaccination

Vaccination against FeLV helps prevent virus persistence and FeLV-associated disease, and is recommended for all cats at risk of exposure – including cats with access to outdoors, cats living with known FeLV-infected cats, and in multicat environments where the FeLV status of all cats is not known.  Also, FeLV vaccination is recommended for all kittens due to increased susceptibility to the virus and the permanent nature after infection. Vaccination does not affect test results.

Online Resources

AAFP's Retrovirus Management Guidelines 
These guidelines provide additional information about this disease, as well as vaccination, prevention and management considerations.

International Cat Care 
Formally the Feline Advisory Bureau, International Cat Care is a charity passionate about improving the care of all cats. Their site contains much information on cat health information.

The Winn Feline Foundation 
Winn supports and funds studies to improve cat health. Included on their site is information on FeLV written by Susan Little, DVM, DABVP (Feline).

Submitted by Amy Lowe, DVM

Source : http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/disease-and-conditions/felv

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