Feline AIDs - October is FIV Awareness Month

In 1987 a feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), was discovered in cats that were suffering from chronic ill health. Recently we have seen a spate of infected cats in our area and the prevalence of this disease seems to be increasing. The FIV virus attacks the cat’s immune system leaving the animal more susceptible to other diseases eg. mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, weight loss. Spread of this disease is mainly through the introduction of saliva by biting, so free range, fighting cats infected with the virus are the main source of infection. There is no specific treatment for FIV and eventually the cat develops Feline AIDs. Infected cats are a danger to other cats and contact should be prevented as much as possible. 

Pet owners can protect their cats, by preventing contact with infected free roaming cats. Avoiding infection in your cat involves ensuring the cat is neutered to reduce fighting, confining your cat at night time, confining cats more closely during the breeding season from late August and limiting cat numbers/household so as to limit the local population density. Recently a vaccine has been developed to protect cats from infection so talk to your local vet about what is involved in vaccination.