OK, here we go. The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age.
For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is just trying to avoid a false negative. Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already have it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born so they don't get it from milk or grooming? Hope that helps. Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: MaryChristine To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above then say 3 months is the best age?
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