About Feline Immunodeficiency Virus About Feline Leukemia Virus - Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley Massachusetts

Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley, Bradford, MA 01835


	INFORMATION LINKS FIV/FELV What is FIV? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), also known as Feline AIDS, is a virus that may eventually suppress the immune system of the carrier animal. FIV is spread through blood to blood or saliva to blood contact. The primary means of spreading this virus is through deep bite wounds, as the virus must directly enter the bloodstream in order to potentially infect another cat. Everyday cat activities such as sharing food bowls and litter boxes or mutual grooming will not transmit the virus. Between 60-70% of the adult cat community has a natural immunity to the virus. FIV is not contagious to people, dogs, or other non-feline pets. There is no cure for FIV, but 90% of cats who test positive will lead long, healthy, normal lives if they are well loved and well cared for. What is FeLV? Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), is a virus that may eventually suppress the immune system of the carrier animal. The most common secondary disease that affects the cat is cancer. The FeLV virus is present in the saliva, blood, urine, and feces of an infected cat. For the virus to spread to another cat, prolonged contact is most likely necessary. Mutual grooming is the most common means of transmission. Between 60-70% of the adult cat community has a natural immunity to the virus. There is a vaccine for FeLV, but it is only reported as being 60-90% effective. The life expectancy of an adult cat with FeLV varies tremendously, given that there are several strains of the virus, some being more debilitating to the cat the others. With a less aggressive infection, the cat could live many happy years.		Ice - The Story Ice was pulled off a Lawrence snow bank barely conscious. He was so emaciated and dehydrated, his eyes were shrunken into their sockets. It's taken almost a month but he is completely well and a very happy and playful cat! Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley cares... Please donate.

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Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley, PO Box 8006, Bradford, MA 01835-8006 USA
Phone: 1-978-374-SAFE
ARMV is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.