Humans can't catch feline AIDS

jkoch

By John Koch, DVM

Question: My neighbor's cat was recently diagnosed as having the AIDS virus. Frankly I am a little concerned about this. I didn't know that cats could carry AIDS. I think this has all kinds of health implications. I have already told my kids that they are not to get anywhere near my neighbor's house. What should I do with my cat? He and the neighbor's cat used to regularly cavort with one another. Should I have him put away?

Answer: Relax! Feline AIDS is not the same as Human AIDS. Feline immunodeficiency virus produces a disease in cats that is similar to human AIDS. However, the cat virus is not contagious to humans, and the human virus is not contagious to cats. Your family and kids are safe.

Your cat, however, is another matter. The primary mode of transmission of FIV is cat fighting. If your cat received a bite wound from your neighbor's cat, then it could be infected. The best course of action would be to have your cat tested for FIV. Veterinarians can perform an in-the-office test and have the results in approximately 10 minutes. If your feline friend is negative for the virus, then you probably should consider having it vaccinated against this deadly disease. There is a relatively new and safe vaccine that provides protection. Initially three vaccinations three weeks apart are required. The initial series should be followed with annual boosters.

Studies indicate that FIV is present in anywhere between 6 to 8 percent of cats. Cats with outdoor exposure, cats in multiple-cat households and male cats are considered to be most at risk. If you have an outdoor cat, you should definitely consider vaccinating. The three most deadly infectious disease in cats are feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus. There is no effective treatment for any of these diseases. However, vaccine is available for all three. Most veterinarians prefer to prevent diseases they cannot successfully treat and recommend vaccination. Ultimately, however, veterinarians can only advise. It is the pet owner that must make this decision.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau-area veterinarian.