Georgetta, Here are more links that I could find on when to test, somewhat contradictory. Since the Elisa looks for antigens, not antibodies, you can test as young as you like without worrying about maternal antibodies interfering. But, since the virus needs some time to incubate (I'm seeing anywhere from 2-9 weeks mentioned) the earlier you test, the greater a risk you run of getting a false negative. Maybe decide based on risk factors, quarantining those from colonies with a history of positives, those from hoarders, the runts, and sickies as long as possible, and quickly socializing those born to indoor only cats in small number homes (oops litters, or the "I just wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth" babies)? Most cats are adopted out as negative on the basis of just one test, and most adopters don't retest, so there are probably a lot of positives slipping through already anyway.
Beth http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/FeLV_Web.pdf “Vaccination for FeLV does not affect test results since the tests are for viral antigens, not antibodies. Kittens can be tested at any age because maternal immunity does not interfere with testing.” http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/17.html “Diagnosis is made by clinical signs and a positive blood test. Testing is recommended for kittens at least 8-9 weeks of age, all stray cats, and ill cats. Because of the incubation period and also the cat’s ability to fight off the disease, it is recommended to perform two tests at least two months apart. A new kitten or stray cat could be incubating FeLV, and if tested too early in the disease, will receive a false negative result on the test.” http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/iyer/index.php “Viremia is usually evident 2-4 weeks after FeLV infection.” http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Chart for testing protocols which recommends final testing be done 90 days post exposure, if possible. Also gives different protocols based on known versus unknown exposure history. _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list [email protected] http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
