Lawhorn, Bruce

Wolf, Alice M.

English

Texas A&amp;M Repository

L-2429Texas Agricultural Extension Servic.eFelineImmunodeficiencyVirusThis publication wa produced jointlyby theTexas A&M University College ofVeterinary Medicineand theTexas Agricultural Extension ServiceTexas Agricultural Extension Service • Zerle L. Carpenter, DirectorThe Texas A&M University System· College Station, TexasAlice M. Wolfand Bruce Lawhorn·Feline immunodeficiency virus (AV) causes chronicdisease in cats (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, orAIDS) similar to the disease caused by human im-munodeficiency virus (HIV) in human beings. Although thetwo viruses belong to the same family, the feline virus isnot transmissible to human beings and the human virus isnot transmissible to cats.AV infection has been found in cats worldwide. Thedisease occurs more commonly in male cats than infemales; the highest incidence is in cats older than 5 yearsof age. Free-roaming cats and mixed breed cats are athighest risk for contracting AV infection. The disease israre in cats housed strictly indoors or in catteries.AV is transmitted from cat to cat very efficiently by catbite wounds and blood transfusions. Infection by casualcontact (e.g., using common food bowls or litter pans) doesnot occur. To date, it does not appear that an infectedfemale can pass the virus to her kittens before they areborn or through her milk. Again, AV is very specificallyadapted to infect cats; human beings are not at risk fromthis disease.Several weeks following infection with AV the cat willhave a short, mild illness with fever and lymph nodeenlargement. Often the signs of illness dUring this stageare so subtle that the owner will not notice that the cat issick. These early signs will disappear without treatmentafter a few days or weeks. The virus then undergoes aperiod of dormancy. Although AV is still present in thecat, the animal will be apparently healthy and show nosigns of illness for months or years.Eventually the virus will become reactivated and upsetthe balance of the cat's immune system. At this time thecat will begin to show signs of chronic infections of themouth (gingivitis), nasal cavity (rhinitis and sinusitis) orskin. Chronic intractable diarrhea occurs in some cats;tumors appear in others. Neurologic signs such as be-havioral changes, dementia, aggression, inappropriateelimination behavior and seizures have been seen in someAV-infected cats.• Associate professor of small animal medicine andsurgery and Extension veterinarian, The Texas A&MUniversity System.The diagnosis of AV infection is confirmed by findingantibodies to the AV virus in the cat's blood. This test canbe performed by your veterinarian. Any sick cat should betested because of the association of AV with chronic illnessin the cat. Because apparently healthy cats may harborAV in a dormant state for many years, it is wise to also testnew adult cats coming into a household and cats enteringclosed populations, especially catteries.There is no specific treatment for AV infection. Drugscurrently used against HIV infection (e.g., AZT) are toxicto cats. Veterinarians treat the symptoms, such as infec-tion or cancer, and give supportive care. Unfortunately,the outlook for cats in the advanced stage of this diseaseis poor. Even if the signs of illness can be temporarilycontrolled, AV infection is ultimately fatal to the cat.At this time there is no vaccine for preventing AVinfection. You can reduce the risk by neutering your cat toreduce roaming and territorial fighting behavior, and bykeeping your cat indoors.Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricul-tural Extension Service serve people of all ages regard-less of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion,handicap or national origin.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work inAgriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress ofMay 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, incooperation with the United States Department of Agricul-ture. Zerle L. Carpenter, Director, Texas Agricultural Ex-tension Service, The Texas A&M University System.8M-5-90, New VM

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/1969.1/166874/4/2429/Leaf2429.pdf

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

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Texas A&M Repository

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Abstract

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Texas A&amp;M Repository

Texas A&M Repository