Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a well-known pathogen occurring worldwide in domestic and small wild cats.1,2 It is a gammaretrovirus that was first described as a virus-like particle associated with leukaemia (lymphosarcoma) over 50 years ago by Jarrett et al.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious causes of disease of cats globally. Infection with FeLV can cause a variety of clinical signs, impacting a cat's longevity and quality of life.
Not all feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infected cats are the same.Diagnosis of FeLV infection typically begins with a positive result on a screening test, such as the SNAP Feline Triple Test and SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo Test, which evaluate for the p27 antigen.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is a serious disease that attacks the immune system and causes cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia. Read our vets' advice on symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) belongs to the retrovirus family of viruses, in a group known as oncornaviruses. Oncornaviruses can cause the development of cancers, among other diseases (in both people and animals). FeLV only causes disease in cats and was first discovered in 1964.
