- Is a long-term,
contagious viral infection spread by direct cat to cat contact.
- Affects two
to three percent of the cat population.
- Kills very
slowly.
- Vaccination
reduces the risk of infection by only about 50 percent.
PROGRESS
IN MEDICAL RESEARCH
Feline leukemia
virus, or FeLV, is one of the most important causes of disease
in cats today. Infected cats may show a variety of symptoms
including fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and
anemia. FeLV-caused illnesses may take a year or more to become
noticeable and may persist for weeks, months or even years.
FeLV can cause death from cancer or from an AIDS-like disease
which destroys the cat's natural resistance to infection.
The virus is spread from one cat to another through licking,
biting, scratching, or sharing food bowls and litter boxes.
A pregnant cat my pass the virus to her kittens before they
are born and nursing mothers can transmit the virus in their
milk. Animals that live closely together in a multi-cat household
or large cattery are at a greater risk. A vaccine is available
to help prevent infection in cats exposed to the virus.
How
has animal research helped with feline leukemia?
The use of cats
in research enabled veterinary researchers to isolate the
virus that is responsible for many feline diseases. The feline
leukemia virus was identified in 1964, but until 1970 researchers
focused primarily on its cancer-causing effects. That year
a blood test was developed which proved that many cats suffering
from a variety of illnesses are actually infected with FeLV.
As a result, research took a new direction. Researchers found
that FeLV infection could be present in cats for a long time
without producing outward signs of disease. Additionally,
the course and outcome of FeLV caused diseases were discovered
to be unpredictable. Although a majority of exposed cats recover
and become immune, many others remain carriers and continue
to spread the virus. Various methods of treatment have been
developed, including chemo-therapy, blood transfusions, and
the use of antibiotics to fight bacterial infections, but
at this point treatment is not very effective and there is
no cure.
Is
animal research on feline leukemia still needed?
Much research
remains to be done. Since the virus affects cats in unique
ways, cats must be used for additional studies. A more effective
vaccine needs to be developed and tested. Continued study
of ways to improve the immune system of infected cats is needed
to help them overcome the virus before illness develops.
What's
ahead for cats with feline leukemia?
Feline leukemia
may be more successfully prevented and treated in the future
by learning more about leukemia virus and its effect on the
immune system. This research may also help us learn more about
AIDS in humans.
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