One of the joys of being a veterinarian in today’s world of technological advancements is the ability to provide superior preventive medicine for my patients.

In fact, one of the prominent successes of the modern veterinary profession is our control of so many viral diseases in domestic animals through proper vaccination protocols. Moreover, with the development of the FIV vaccine, not only will many cats’ lives be saved, but it also provides serious hope for the human population’s battle against HIV/AIDS.

A brief description

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is classified as a retrovirus. Its further classification places it in the Lentivirus subfamily. This is the same classification as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

FIV is found worldwide and appears to be endemic. Prevalence in cats in the United States ranges from 1 percent to 14 percent, and may be as high as 15 to 30 percent in high-risk groups.

FIV, just like HIV, is strongly immunosuppressive, meaning that one’s immune system is weakened and allows the body to be highly susceptible to a variety of infections. At this point the primary mode of transmission from cat to cat is through bite wounds. However, some of the latest research does show that transmission from an FIV positive mother cat to her kittens can occur as well. This route of transmission is not fully understood and is an active area of research.

Obviously, considering that bites are the primary mode of transmission, it is not surprising that cats at greatest risk of FIV infection are outdoor, unneutered, adult males, who are most likely to engage in aggressive fights over territory. However, any cat with outdoor exposure is considered at risk for FIV.

FIV is a lifelong infection. It is a slowly progressive disease that can go undetected for long periods unless specific testing is done. Since severe, life-threatening signs may take years to appear, all cats that present even subtle signs of illness should be tested to determine a cat’s FIV status, if unknown.

There is no cure for FIV, only supportive care. It is important to note that even though FIV is related to HIV, no human has ever been reported to be infected with FIV.

An injection of hope

Fortunately, the USDA has issued a license to Fort Dodge Health for an FIV vaccine for cats. This is an absolute scientific breakthrough in the areas of Lentivirus vaccine research and preventative medicine against diseases caused by Lentivirus. This is the first FIV vaccine to ever be approved for commercial use.

The vaccine is described as truly international in that it is composed of virus strains of two different subtypes, one from North America and one from Asia. In fact, the chief researcher and professor in the department of pathobiology at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, states, “the use of vaccine strains from different regions of the world was a goal of the research team. We knew that many subtypes can be found globally and FIV changes or mutates within the body.”

Until now, no pharmaceutical treatment or any vaccine has been available to control or prevent FIV infection. Researchers have worked more than 10 years to make an FIV vaccine that could be used globally. The newly approved vaccine was proven effective against FIV infection throughout several challenges.

This new FIV vaccine, which requires three initial doses and then annual boosters, is recommended as an aid in the prevention of infection with FIV. The vaccination can be used in kittens as early as 8 weeks old. The best news is that this vaccine is now available to licensed practicing veterinarians and is available through your local veterinarian.

Remember, not every cat is at risk for contracting FIV, but every cat’s FIV status should be known, especially before the vaccine is given. A simple in-clinic diagnostic blood test to determine FIV status is readily available through your local veterinarian’s office. It is highly recommended that all cat owners consult with their own veterinarian and decide if this vaccine should be added to their cats’ vaccination protocol.

Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital in Biloxi, Miss.