Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects
cats. As a retrovirus, the genetic information of FeLV is carried
by RNA instead of DNA. FeLV is usually transmitted between infected
cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
If not defeated by the animal's immune system, the virus can be
lethal.
FeLV causes immunosuppression in pet cats, and there is also
evidence for existence of the virus in larger wild cat populations
also (e.g. Lynx, Cheetah, and Lion). Overwhelming epidemiologic
evidence suggests FeLV is not transmissible to either humans or
dogs.
Note: Despite the its name, the disease is not a form of cancer.
The name stems from the fact that the first disease associated with
the virus was a form of leukemia, and by the time it was discovered
that the virus was the causal agent, the misleading name was
already being used by pet owners.
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