[Epidemiology of FeLV and FIV infection in the Federal Republic of Germany]. / Epidemiologie der FeLV- und FIV-Infektion in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.

ABSTRACT

In a nationwide study 6101 cats were tested for presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies utilizing enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 21.8% of the German cat population may be FeLV- and/or FIV-positive. Of the animals tested, 13.4% were found to be FeLV carriers, while 8.4% showed evidence of FIV infection. Infection with both viruses was identified in 2.1% of the cats tested. Of the animals showing clinical symptoms, nearly one cat in three was found to be carrying either one or both of the viruses. Male cats were more likely to be infected then were females, similarly as were free-roaming cats, compared with confined cats; domestic cats, compared with purebred cats; and cats > 6 years old, compared with younger cats.