Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that infects felines and is known to cause progressive disease in cats. The virus itself belongs to a group of viruses that include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in humans. Although HIV and FIV belong to the same family of viruses, it is not possible for FIV to be transmitted from an infected cat to humans.
How Do Cats Get FIV?
The most common route of infection of FIV is through bite wounds, therefore the aggressive behaviour exhibited by many free-roaming male cats places them at greater risk of infection. Non-aggressive contact within cat populations does not appear to cause FIV spread. Sexual transmission is not a primary means of spreading the virus, but bite wounds inflicted during mating may transmit it. It is also possible for the virus to be transferred from an infected pregnant female to her kittens through either the placenta or through infected milk.
How Do I Know If My Cat Has FIV?
At the time of initial infection, it is unlikely that you will notice your cat being unwell. Clinical signs at the time of initial infection include a fever and enlarged lymph nodes. In most cases, infected cats remain healthy for years following infection.
The virus causes immunodeficiency, meaning infected cats have a poor immune response and are more susceptible to bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. Most commonly, it is these and other infections that cause the death of the cat rather than the virus itself.
There are no classical clinical signs associated with FIV infection. Symptoms include deterioration in body condition, persistent fevers, and clinical signs related to secondary infection.
How Common Is FIV in Sydney?
Good studies have not been performed to determine the prevalence of FIV infection among the cat population in Sydney. Limited studies have shown that between 7-13% of healthy cats and up to 20% of sick cats may be infected with FIV.
Diagnosis and Treatment of FIV
FIV is diagnosed by performing a blood test.
Currently there is no commercially available test that will differentiate between natural infection and a cat that has been vaccinated with the FIV vaccine.
As in human HIV, there is no specific treatment available to ensure elimination of FIV from infected cats. Treatment of sick cats involves therapy targeted at treating secondary infections.
Should I Vaccinate My Cat Against FIV?
If your cat spends time outdoors, and particularly if they are involved in cat fights, then we recommend vaccination. However, it should be kept in mind that the vaccination is not 100% protective, and the best protection is to prevent your cat from being bitten.
What Does Vaccination Involve?
- For cats less than 6 months of age it is recommended that animals are microchipped at the time of vaccination. The vaccination protocol consists of three doses of vaccine given from 8 weeks (about 2 months) of age or after. Doses should be given 2-4 weeks apart. After the initial course of vaccines, a yearly vaccination is required
- For cats 6 months of age and older, it is recommended that an FIV test is performed prior to Cats should test negative before vaccination. It is also recommended that cats are microchipped (if not already) at the time of the first vaccination. The 3-dose course of vaccines is then given 2-4 weeks apart.
- An annual booster is also required.
Technically, if any one of the vaccinations is more than one week overdue, another course of 3 doses of vaccine, 2-4 weeks apart is necessary.
Currently there is a nationwide Vaccine shortage, so we will update our website when FIV vaccines are available again
