Most of our owners are aware of the common viral diseases such as feline panleukopaenia (parvovirus), and the respiratory diseases (rhinotracheitis and calicivirus) which they should have us vaccinated against every year. There are some other viral diseases with which they may not be familiar.
Feline AIDS is caused by infection with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is a retrovirus related to the Human Immunovirus (HIV) which causes the disease commonly known as AIDS. FIV however will not affect humans. Like the human disease, it can have a very long incubation period and early signs may include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, we may have weight loss, sores in or around the mouth, eye lesions, rough coat and chronic infections. Infection will often result in death or such serious disease that we would have to be put to sleep.
Surveys of blood samples taken from populations on cats in Australia indicate that between 14% and 29% of cats have been exposed to the virus. Queensland populations tend to show results towards the higher end of this range. The virus is spread primarily through bite wounds and it is shed in large numbers in the saliva. Outdoor cats are at higher risk and an infected aggressive feral tomcat can infect large numbers of cats in its lifetime.
The good news is that a vaccine is available. It involves 3 shots a month apart then annual boosters with our routine vaccinations. The research involved in its development may also be beneficial in the quest for a human vaccine.
Blood tests are available should you suspect you may have been infected with FIV. Your owner should be encouraged to contact your vet for more information or to make an appointment to start your vaccination programme before it’s too late!
Justin Bulling – Montville Veterinary Clinic 26 Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville Ph 5445 7666
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