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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Jul 1;11(7):565–574. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.005

Feline Leukaemia: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management

Hans Lutz 1, Diane Addie 2, Sándor Belák 3, Corine Boucraut-Baralon 4, Herman Egberink 5, Tadeusz Frymus 6, Tim Gruffydd-Jones 7, Katrin Hartmann 8, Margaret J Hosie 9, Albert Lloret 10, Fulvio Marsilio 11, Maria Grazia Pennisi 12, Alan D Radford 13, Etienne Thiry 14, Uwe Truyen 15, Marian C Horzinek 16
PMCID: PMC7172531  PMID: 19481036

Abstract

Overview Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that may induce depression of the immune system, anaemia and/or lymphoma. Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of FeLV infection has decreased considerably, thanks both to reliable tests for the identification of viraemic carriers and to effective vaccines.

Infection Transmission between cats occurs mainly through friendly contacts, but also through biting. In large groups of non-vaccinated cats, around 30–40% will develop persistent viraemia, 30–40% show transient viraemia and 20–30% seroconvert. Young kittens are especially susceptible to FeLV infection.

Disease signs The most common signs of persistent FeLV viraemia are immune suppression, anaemia and lymphoma. Less common signs are immune-mediated disease, chronic enteritis, reproductive disorders and peripheral neuropathies. Most persistently viraemic cats die within 2–3 years.

Diagnosis In low-prevalence areas there may be a risk of false-positive results; a doubtful positive test result in a healthy cat should therefore be confirmed, preferably by PCR for provirus. Asymptomatic FeLV-positive cats should be retested.

Disease management Supportive therapy and good nursing care are required. Secondary infections should be treated promptly. Cats infected with FeLV should remain indoors. Vaccination against common pathogens should be maintained. Inactivated vaccines are recommended. The virus does not survive for long outside the host.

Contributor Information

Hans Lutz,    hlutz@vetclinics.uzh.ch.

Diane Addie,  .

Sándor Belák,  .

Corine Boucraut-Baralon,  .

Herman Egberink,  .

Tadeusz Frymus,  .

Tim Gruffydd-Jones,  .

Katrin Hartmann,  .

Margaret J Hosie,  .

Albert Lloret,  .

Fulvio Marsilio,  .

Maria Grazia Pennisi,  .

Alan D Radford,  .

Etienne Thiry,  .

Uwe Truyen,  .

Marian C Horzinek,  .

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