Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a significant infectious disease affecting cats worldwide. Here’s a concise explanation of its transmission:
- Primary Mode of Transmission:
- FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds from an infected cat. When an FIV-positive cat bites another cat, the virus present in the infected cat’s saliva enters the body tissues of the bitten cat¹².
- Casual, non-aggressive contact (such as sharing water bowls or mutual grooming) does not appear to be an efficient route for spreading the virus.
- Other Routes of Transmission:
- Blood: FIV can also be transmitted through blood, such as during fights or accidents.
- In Utero: An infected mother cat can transmit FIV to her kittens during pregnancy.
- Milk: Infected mother cats can also pass the virus to their kittens through milk³.
2. Prevalence and Risk Factors:
- FIV-infected cats exist worldwide, but the prevalence varies significantly.
- In North America, approximately 2.5-5% of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates are higher (15% or more) in sick cats or those at high risk of infection.
- Un-neutered male cats with outdoor access, especially those prone to fighting, are at the greatest risk for FIV infection.
3. Clinical Phases:
- Acute Phase: Occurs 1-3 months after infection. The virus spreads to lymph nodes, causing temporary enlargement, fever, depression, and appetite loss.
- Asymptomatic Phase: May last for months to years, during which cats appear healthy but carry the virus.
- Progressive Phase: Eventually, immune deficiency sets in, making cats vulnerable to other infections¹.
While there’s no cure for FIV, cats can live relatively normal lives if not co-infected with feline leukemia virus. Reducing risk involves limiting contact with potentially infected cats, keeping cats indoors, and testing all cats within a household¹. 🐾
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Source:
(1) Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) | Cornell University College of …. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv.
(2) Feline immunodeficiency virus – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_immunodeficiency_virus.
(3) FIV in Cats | Best Friends Animal Society. https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/fiv-cats-feline-immunodeficiency-virus-faqs.
(4) FIV and Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments – WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cat-fiv-feline-immunodeficiency-virus.