FeLV testing
FeLV testing
I rescued a male stray (vet estimated him to be about a year old). He was given combo test (among many other checkup/full work up procedures and neutering) and it came back negative for everything. I want to be absolutely sure, however, about his FeLV status before introducing him to my 2 adult cats. I'd like to quarantine him for 3 weeks after last possible date of exposure (i.e., date I rescued him off the streets), but if I do and have him retested after 3 weeks, might the test show a false positive since he's been vaccinated for FeLV (i.e., will it pick up the antigen from the vaccination)?
-
Crewella
- VIP Cat Chatter!
- Posts: 3605
- Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:59 pm
- No. of cats in household: 6
- Location: Hertfordshire
Re: FeLV testing
I'm afraid I don't have the experience to help with this, but there tend to be more forum posters around during the week, so hopefully someone will be able to help tomorrow.
In the meantime, the Cat Chat info on FeLV says this:
There are several vaccines against Feline Leukaemia on the market in the U.K. These vaccines are in the order of 70-80% effective, so it is important to realise that some cats will still not be protected even though they are vaccinated. It is recommended that cats should be tested for FeLV before vaccination, because the vaccine will be ineffective if the cat is already infected. However, the cat will not come to any harm if it is carrying the virus and is vaccinated, so some vets do not feel that the additional expense to the client and stress to the cat is justified. If a test for FeLV is carried out however, and found to be positive, the test will need to be repeated 12 weeks later. If it is then negative, it can be assumed that the cat has overcome the infection and developed its own life-long immunity. This can be checked by the Virus Neutralising antibody test. If the cat is found to be immune then the cost of annual vaccinations will be saved, (which is something to bear in mind when you are paying out for repeat blood tests!)
In case you've not seen it, the page is here:
http://www.catchat.org/leukaemia.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I hope it all works out for you both, and that he's a fully settled member of your household soon.
In the meantime, the Cat Chat info on FeLV says this:
There are several vaccines against Feline Leukaemia on the market in the U.K. These vaccines are in the order of 70-80% effective, so it is important to realise that some cats will still not be protected even though they are vaccinated. It is recommended that cats should be tested for FeLV before vaccination, because the vaccine will be ineffective if the cat is already infected. However, the cat will not come to any harm if it is carrying the virus and is vaccinated, so some vets do not feel that the additional expense to the client and stress to the cat is justified. If a test for FeLV is carried out however, and found to be positive, the test will need to be repeated 12 weeks later. If it is then negative, it can be assumed that the cat has overcome the infection and developed its own life-long immunity. This can be checked by the Virus Neutralising antibody test. If the cat is found to be immune then the cost of annual vaccinations will be saved, (which is something to bear in mind when you are paying out for repeat blood tests!)
In case you've not seen it, the page is here:
http://www.catchat.org/leukaemia.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I hope it all works out for you both, and that he's a fully settled member of your household soon.
Re: FeLV testing
Thank you so much for responding and for the information. It is all helpful. If anyone else can provide any additional insight, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you again, and for the well wishes.