Hello Everyone, I'm a new member to the FelV group, but not new to cat rescue and TNR, which I've been doing for a long time.
For years I didn't test for FelV, because back in the 1980's I tested all of my cats for it, and two were positive, so I put had them put down to protect my other cats. I've felt horribly guilty ever since, and because of this I quit testing. I started testing again about 4 years ago when I began taking care of a feral colony I discovered in our small town of Terra Alta, WV. There were always kittens I couldn't find homes for, and if I kept them, or kept any strays that were dumped at our house I felt I should have them tested...... None of them were ever positive. I guess I was just lucky, but now my luck has run out. Several kittens in a litter I rescued have tested positive for FelV. I intend to learn everything I can about FelV, and meanwhile I'll vaccinate my negative cats with the FelV vaccine. In the 80's it wasn't too effective, so I hope it's improved.... I'd appreciate input on the efficacy of the vaccine. I understand FelV is contagious, but not highly contagious. From what I've read it is apparently spread through blood (bites) food dishes, water bowls and mutual grooming. The virus apparently doesn't live long outside the cat's body, but in even a few hours other cats could be infected. The vet didn't tell me to euthanize the positive kittens, but she did give me a grim outlook :-( I'd appreciate hearing from any of you in regard to this. Lorrie in Terra Alta, WV _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
