Gauging the Impact of Two Common Domestic Cat Diseases in Andean Wild Cats

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are two common viruses in pet cats, causing significant illness and even death in infected animals. Recently, researchers have detected FIV and FeLV in free-ranging guignas, a South American wild cat species. Researchers will study if FIV and FeLV are contributing to disease and death in threatened guignas, and if the FIV and FeLV strains in guignas are related to the strains in local domestic cat populations. Findings will be used in the design of disease surveillance and control strategies, especially in regions where infected domestic cats live in close proximity to guigna habitat.