FUCHS@VCUVAX (07/10/89)
Feline AIDS (FAIDS) is caused by a "type C" retrovirus which is not closely related to the human HIV. The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) responsible for the syndrome is spread between cats in the saliva during activities such as grooming, fighting or from shared food and water bowls. The disease should not represent a danger to humans. Kittens are more susceptible to the infection than are adult cats and in experimental situations the virus is 100% fatal to the kittens. Of the adult cats which are infected about 70% will successfully clear the infection. The remaining 30% are "persistently" infected and one half of these will develop FAIDS. There is a vaccine available which is effective in treating uninfected cats. I have had my cats tested (to be sure they are infection negative) and then vaccinated. My vet reccomended this and it is my impression that most vets would agree. Hope this helped. - Bruce