The update on Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Infections

FeLV is a common retrovirus infection, with many different clinical presentations, which is fatal in progressively infected cats. It can be found in cats worldwide, although its prevalence may vary among geographic locations. Recently, a study about a current prevalence of the FeLV infection in Europe has been published, showing the highest prevalence in Portugal, Hungary and Italy/Malta, while in some countries FeLV was undetectable.

At the beginning of the year, AAFP has published the updated feline retrovirus management guidelines, written by an international Advisory Panel, composed of American and European specialists. They represent a major update on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of feline retrovirus infections.

The identification of infected cats is still the most important factor in preventing infections. To be able to accurately determine the animal’s infection status repeated testing and different methods might be needed. A useful help with testing cats for FeLV can be a FeLV diagnostic tree, made by European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD).

 

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