Prevalence and Distributions of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in Bangkok and Its Vicinity, Thailand During 2013-2014

Abstract

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are known as pathogens associated with chronic diseases in cat. This present study determined the prevalence of FIV and FeLV infections in Bangkok and its vicinity, including Nonthaburi and Pathumthani, during April 2013-March 2014 in owned cats. A total of 777 serum or plasma samples were submitted to a private veterinary laboratory in Bangkok. The prevalence of FIV infection, FeLV infection and co-infection was 5.4% (42/777), 16.5% (128/777) and 3.5% (27/777), respectively. The infections were detected all year round, with higher prevalence of FeLV infection. In addition, geographical analyses revealed that FIV and FeLV infections were widely spread in Bangkok and its surrounding areas with similar patterns of geographical distribution. The information provided updated the epidemiological information and will be useful for the development and monitoring of disease management and control.