i don't think that FIV is a good model for HIV/AIDS--the manner of transmission is different, the ways the virus manifests is different, the course is different. i don't like using human-based terminology for cats does either species any good. cats do NOT get ARC (AIDS-related complex) in my opinion, because they are specifically unable to get AIDS in the first place....
almost all the researchers in the country have left behind the FIV=AIDS hypothothese--yes, it was a great starting point, but the vast majority of researchers have discarded that. the majority consider FIV an relatively benign virus that often has little or no effects on a cat's health. most FIV positive cats live normal lifespans and die WITH the virus, not from it. higher incidence of herpes viruses, for sure; same as with stomatitis--but other than that, every sanctuary setting has shown FIVs to be healthier than other subgroups. i know, personally, of two multi-cat settings where FIVs were unaffected by panleuk, while every other group in the setting were seriously impacted. joel's side, however, is with the other side, that considers FIV a very serious fatal ilness. i'm not there with them. on his list are many folks who agree with him, tho only a very few researchers do; that's why i'm NOT on his list, cuz i wouldn't be able to get my mouth shut. i used to work with a lot of them, but the differences just grew too great. joel, however, is incredibly knowledgable, and is able to interpret things way beyond my ability. he and i agree to disagree on FIV. in other words, i don't agree with him on FIV, but i DO trust him implicitly on other things. i don't think i agree with you completely on the stage-of-infection theory re: FeLV, either, but right now i have to go deal with other sick kitties, so will come back to that! MC -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference.... MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list [email protected] http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
