Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FLV)

  • FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) but the disease causing virus is different.
  • This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms.
  • General symptoms include chronic, non-responding infections; respiratory problems; appetite loss; persistent diarrhoea; and severe oral infections.
  • FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites. There is currently no vaccination or cure for FIV.
  • Keep your cat inside to prevent it from contacting FIV.
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV) belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses.
  • FIV is related to HIV, but appears to be able to infect only wild or pet cats.
  • The belief the disease is spread by the injection of FIV in saliva when a cat is bitten by another infected cat.
  • For the virus to be passed on substantial quantities of the virus need to be injected in this way.
  • Outside of the body, the virus is quickly destroyed. About 5 weeks after infection cats may have a raised temperature.
  • They develop swollen glands over their bodies. Sometimes this is all that occurs until several months or even years later.
  • When further symptoms develop, they are usually the result of other recurrent infections Or diseases such as gingivitis-stomatitis or rhinitis that become permanent because FIV has suppressed the affected cat’s normal immune response to them.
  • The individual cat’s symptoms may vary to a degree, but usually these include: lethargy, weight loss, conjunctivitis, gingivitis-stomatitis, diarrhea, skin disorders and anemia.
  • These symptoms are more common in male, non-pedigree cats, those who roam freely outdoors and between 6 to 10 years old.
  • Currently there is no specific treatment available.
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 10:49 AM