Practices needed for FeLV/FIV Prevalence Study
A new national survey has been launched to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with FeLV and FIV infection in the UK. It has been 23 years since the prevalence of FeLV and FIV were last determined in pet cat populations in the UK, and more up-to-date information is urgently needed.
The prevalence of each virus will be determined at both national and local levels, and the risk factors for infection assessed.
This study is unique in that the prevalence of FeLV and FIV will be determined by the results obtained from the routine testing of cats in practices, rather than results obtained from samples submitted only to external laboratories. This approach is more likely to reflect the true prevalence of infection as it is anticipated that data from a wider range of practices and animals will be captured. The findings will be made readily accessible to UK veterinary surgeons to enable rational testing and vaccination strategies to be devised at practice level.
The study aims to collect data from up to 10,000 cats, which would make this the largest study carried out in the UK to date. To date, over 170 practices have registered but more from Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland are needed.
The study will run until November 30th 2012. For more information, please contact Dr Libby Graham.
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. 
