The control of lymphosarcoma/leukaemia and feline leukaemia virus

This article discusses a removal programme designed especially for catteries and so–called multiple–cat households in an effort to control lymphosarcoma/leukaemia in cats and transmission of FeLV (feline leukaemia virus).
The removal programme calls for: annual testing of all stud cats; testing of all contacts of a FeLV–positive cat during the previous 2 years; testing of imported cats; and isolation of FeLV–positive cats or, if this is impossible, euthanasia. The FeLV antigen can be demonstrated in cats by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test.
The results of a removal programme carried out over a 4–year period in a large Dutch cat club are discussed. The percentage of FeLV–positive catteries decreased from 11 –5% during the first half of 1974 to 21% during the latter half of 1977; during the same period the percentage of FeLV–positive cats and stud cats decreased from 4–9% and 5–9%, respectively, to 1–2% and 1–0%, respectively.
It is concluded that the recommended removal programme can be carried out without difficulty and produces good results.