Leukemia rapid test FASTest® FeLV

for felinesfor antigensvirus

FASTest® FeLV is a rapid immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) antigens in the whole blood, plasma or serum of the cat. The infection with Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) occurs worldwide in felids. The prevalence ranges from 2% in Germany to 2-10% in Europe, dependent on keeping conditions and age (especially stray cats, day release cats, multiple cat households and young cats). The infection with Feline Leukaemia Viruses is transmitted most of all by secretions (e.g. saliva), excretions (e.g. feces, urine) as well as intrauterine by blood transfusion and via colostrum. Flees also are discussed as potential vectors of FeLV infection. As Feline Leukaemia Viruses can survive in the environment only for minutes, successful contamination only can happen during close contact to infected cats, e.g. mutual grooming, sniffing as well as injuries through biting and scratching. Day release, sociable and young cats from uncontrolled multiple cat households are regarded as “risk animals” with significantly higher infection rates. After an infection, for the immune system of the cat it is crucial whether the infection gets eliminated prior to viraemia (“regressor cat”, ca. 30 to 50% of the cats, p27 antigen test negative) or not (transient or persistent viraemia).