Feline AIDS is Endemic in Hawaii
Feline AIDS is Endemic in Hawaii
Feline AIDS is caused by infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV. FIV is the feline equivalent of HIV in humans. There are free-ranging cats with FIV in Hawaii and they are a potential source of infection to all cats with whom they have direct contact.
Not all cats exposed to FIV will become infected. Infected cats do not always show signs of illness right away. Cats with FIV may appear clinically healthy for years before their system falters. Still, FIV does threaten health and longevity and most infected cats eventually succumb. FIV typically brings about the patient's demise by suppressing or altering their immune system, thus lowering resistance to infections and cancer. Infected cats can still be treated, but there is currently no cure for FIV or Feline AIDS.
FIV is transmitted via direct contact between cats, most commonly via the bites and scratches that occur during cat fights. FIV can also be transmitted during mating and from queen to kitten. Spayed and neutered cats tend to engage in less of these high risk activities. Having cats tested to ascertain that they are FIV-negative before bringing them into your home and preventing direct contact with FIV-positive or FIV-unknown cats is currently the only sure way of prevention and protection.
There is an FIV vaccine on the market, however, it is not 100% protective. Study results range from 40-82% effective against 2 of the 5 known strains of FIV (no efficacy against the other 3 strains). Moreover, the vaccine is of the type (adjuvanted) associated with tumor development at the injection site in a small number cats. Finally, cats given the FIV vaccine will show a positive FIV test, regardless of whether or not they are infected. As with any vaccination, the benefits should weighed against the risks.