Researchers have identified a cat virus, similar to HIV the virus that causes AIDS in humans caused by a different but related virus known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV.
FIV can cause a fatal disease in cats. However, a scientific breakthrough has brought about a preventative vaccine. Today, Fort Dodge Animal Health, division of Wyeth, announced the release of the first-ever FIV, or feline AIDS vaccine. Fel-O-Vax FIV is available through licensed practicing veterinarians nationwide.
Fel-O-Vax FIV is based on patented technology developed by Janet Yamamoto, an immunologist and researcher at the University of Florida. Yamamoto originally co-discovered the FIV virus with Dr. Niels Pedersen, an international authority on retroviruses and immunologic disorders of small animals at the University of California/Davis. The two institutions hold joint patents on the FIV vaccine, and Fort Dodge, with approval by the USDA, utilized the research to develop a commercial vaccine.
Like HIV, FIV is an international concern. Indeed, the research teams at Fort Dodge Animal Health and the University of Florida have worked more than 10 years to make an FIV vaccine that could be used globally. Steve Chu, Fort Dodge's senior vice president for global research and development, called Yamamoto's vaccine technology, "a scientific breakthrough for lentivirus vaccine and disease prevention."
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), up to one in 12 cats may test positive for FIV. The virus is transmitted from one cat to another primarily through bite wounds caused by fighting. Unlike HIV, this virus is spread in high levels through saliva. But like the human form of the virus, FIV can be a deadly disease for cats as it weakens the animal's immune system. The cat is no longer able to fight off infection or disease similar to a human with HIV.
FIV is most common among cats that are exposed to the outdoors and multiple cat households.
Fel-O-Vax FIV, which has an 84 percent efficacy rate, requires three initial doses and once yearly thereafter. The vaccine is recommended as an aid in the prevention of infection with FIV. After reviewing additional data submitted by Fort Dodge Animal Health, the USDA also approved the FIV vaccine be administered to cats eight weeks of age and older. The vaccine provides protection for a minimum of 12 months.
As a cat lover, Debbie Tice was aware of feline AIDS. She was surprised, however, when one of her own cats, Vincent, tested positive for FIV. Vincent contracted FIV and died from complications of the disease within five months. Tice spent about $2,000 treating Vincent for a variety of ailments all related to his underlying disease caused by FIV.
Indeed, at some point during that time, Tice was well aware Vincent suffered from FIV. Tice applauds the Fel-O-Vax FIV vaccine, which is approved to aid in the prevention of FIV. Adopted cats like Vincent can now be tested and vaccinated to prevent the disease.