New feline viruses found in wild and domestic cats
Scientists say the newly discovered viruses could be linked to cancers in domestic cats.
A family of cancer-causing viruses have been identified for the first time in US populations of wild and domestic cats.
Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) say their findings raise questions as to whether these viruses could be the cause of cancers found in domestic cats and whether they can be transmitted between cat species.
Scientists tested nearly 300 blood samples from bobcats, mountain lions and domestic cats, according to research published in the online version of the Journal of Virology.
Wildlife ecologists shared blood samples from bobcats and mountain lions with CSU, while US animal shelters provided samples from domestic cats. Blood samples covered animals from Florida, Colorado and California.
Scientists say they identified novel gammaherpesviruses in all three species. While it is not known how the virus spread, Ryan Troyer, a research scientist at CSU, said it could be transmitted when animals fight in the wild.
The viruses they identified relate to herpesviruses that can cause lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma in humans, particularly those with HIV-AIDS or other immune-suppressing conditions.
According to researchers, other herpesviruses can cause fatal bovine disease when transmitted to cattle from other species such as sheep and wildebeest.
While it is unknown if these novel feline viruses are linked to disease in wild and domestic cats, the association between gammaherpesviruses and disease in other species indicates this is a possibility, scientists say.
Visit the online Journal of Virology to read the abstract.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
