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FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV) INFECTION
 What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus specific to the cat family. It was first recognized in the mid 1980’s and it has been found in cats worldwide. Although widespread, it is not a common infection in cats. Only 1 - 2% of cats show evidence of exposure to the virus. In some cats exposure to the virus leads to signs and symptoms that result in deficiency in the immune system. There are different strains of FIV and some seem more harmful than others.
Is my family at risk?
Absolutely Not! Although HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS in people) belongs to the same family of viruses and the effects are similar to the effects of FIV in cats. The viruses are very specific for the species and there is no risk of cross infection between the immunodeficiency viruses of cats and people.
Are other cats in the household likely to be already infected or to become infected?
Other cats in your household may already have been infected and should be tested. Spread between cats through normal social contact is unlikely so the majority of your cats may be FIV-negative when tested.
How do cats get FIV?
The virus of FIV is primarily within certain cells inside infected cats. When virus is shed to the outside it is mainly in the saliva. Transmission of infection to another cat requires fairly direct inoculation of the saliva and a bite from an infected, shedding cat is the primary means of transmitting FIV. It is not surprising that cats that are known fighters, particularly those with a history of cat bite abscesses, have a higher risk of being FIV-positive. Kittens can also be infected at or soon after birth probably through virus that is transmitted during pregnancy or through the mother cat's milk. Normal social interactions, such as grooming, have a very low risk of transmitting FIV.
How is FIV diagnosed?
FIV is diagnosed on a special blood test that looks for an immune response (formation of antibodies) to the virus by the cat. If this test is positive it is likely that your cat has been and still is infected by the virus. Kittens under four months of age that test positive should be re-tested when they are six months old, by which time any “maternal” antibodies will have disappeared. We recommend that all kittens be tested at their first visit of at least 8 weeks of age, and then again at spay/neuter or as directed by your veterinarian. All indoor/outdoor cats should be tested yearly for the virus.
What type of disease does FIV cause?
FIV causes disease because it reduces the ability of the cat's immune system to respond to other infections. Infections that would normally be overcome and cleared become prolonged, chronic or recurrent. This means that many of the clinical signs associated with FIV are due to other non-healing infections. Collectively the signs and symptoms seen as a consequence of FIV is sometimes called “Feline AIDS” or Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease of cats. Common clinical signs of FIV infection include:
► Gingivitis /stomatitis (inflammation of the gums / mouth)
► Weight loss
► Poor appetite
► Fever
► Inflammation of the membrane around the eyes (conjunctivitis)
► Swollen lymph glands
► Vomiting and diarrhea
A lot of these signs are very non-specific and many diseases can have a similar clinical picture.
Is there any treatment?
Secondary bacterial infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics but this is usually only temporary until another infection occurs. No specific treatment for the virus is available.
How can I prevent cats becoming infected and is there a vaccine?
As most cats become infected from bite wounds during fighting, the risk of FIV infection can be minimized by making sure your cat is neutered and, where possible, kept indoors. There is a new vaccination coming out for FIV, but we are not yet certain of its effectiveness.
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