A survey on Feline Leukemia virus infection in cats of Ahvaz district, Iran: Seroprevalence and risk factors

The purpose of the present survey was to determine the seroprevalence rate of FeLV in cats in Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran, as well as, risk factors such as age, gender, breed, life style and clinical findings were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from 60 companion and 124 stray cats and antibody titers were measured against FeLV with ELISA kits. The seroprevalence was obtained 79.89% (95% CI: 74.1-85.68 percent). Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between age groups and infection (p < 0.01). Infection rate in cats with age below 2 years was significantly less than cats between 3-4 years (p < 0.05) and above 4 years old (p < 0.01). Also the seroprevalence was significantly higher in domestic short hair breed than Persian (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence was higher in stray cats than companion, nevertheless, the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the seroprevalence was very high in cat’s population of Ahvaz district and there was a significant difference between clinical findings and serological results.