Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is associated with the occurrence of tumours and anaemia in cats but also causes disease by suppressing the cat's immune system. This leaves the cat susceptible to a variety of other problems, which may then be more serious as the cat is unable to combat disease effectively. This is similar to the problems seen in man with the AIDS virus and in cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Signs of infection can take months or years to develop and so infected cats can appear to be totally normal and healthy for quite some time. The first signs of infection may be vague and non-specific because of the huge variety of problems that can occur with FeLV infection

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

Keeping Britain's Pets Healthy Felv feline leucaemia disease information

Density of Reports

The map shows the density of confirmed cases of feline leukaemia for the past three years.

This is not necessarily an indication of what areas the disease is more prevalent in, as the data captured by these labs is likely to be a small proportion of the suspected number of cats that might be affected by the disease.

This is, however, an indication that this disease is present in the UK and if vaccination rates drop, we are likely to see an increase in the number of cats being affected by this dangerous disease.

Speak to your vet about how to make sure your cat is protected against feline leukaemia

High

High
Medium

Medium
Low

Low
No Data

No Data

Report Density

High
Medium
Low
No Data

Diseases in your area

As identified and confirmed by local veterinary practices and diagnostic labs, these are the diseases most reported in your region. You can click on the links to learn more about these diseases. Speak with your vet if you are unsure whether your pet’s vaccines are up to date

Feline Leukemia

The map shows the relative proportion of PCR-confirmed feline leukaemia cases by region, submitted to SAVSNET-participating veterinary diagnostic laboratories over the last 3 years. Grey regions are areas where no data is available. The data underlying these charts is supplied by SAVSNET at the University of Liverpool (www.liverpool.ac.uk/savsnet). All charts and interpretations are those of MSD Animal Health.

How is it spread?

The virus is very fragile and is therefore spread directly, mainly via the saliva or blood from a persistently infected cat and exchanged, for example, by mutual grooming or sharing of food bowls. In addition, the infection can also be caused by a bite from an infected cat or contact with urine and faeces containing the virus. The virus can also pass from a queen to her kittens either in the womb or after the kittens are born, via infected milk.

Prevention and Control

There are several vaccines which offer protection for up to three years against FeLV. Vaccination helps to prevent cats from becoming persistently infected. Vaccination is recommended in all situations where cats have a risk of exposure to the virus and is commonly advised for all those that go outdoors and/or in contact with potentially infected individuals. It is therefore commonly included in kitten primary vaccination courses.

You are here